Thousands of online hate comments made in connection with first ever Gateshead Pride
The event took place over the space of three weeks last month
It's emerged there have been thousands of online hate comments made in connection with the first LGBTQ+ Pride to be held in Gateshead.
At a meeting councillors were informed that thousands of online hate comments had been identified in relation to Gateshead Pride. An exact figure was not provided as organisers stopped counting after 2,000 hate comments were spotted.
Gateshead Pride took place between August 3 and August 25, hosting an array of events including picnics, concerts, a film festival, and opportunities to learn about LGBTQ+ history. The events, some of which had to be delayed due to safety concerns during August’s riots, were credited with inspiring community cohesion alongside economic benefits.
According to Peter Darrant, Out North East organiser, Northumbria Police were informed but did not identify any comments which could have been interpreted as direct threats. In addition, many accounts were believed to be bots. Despite this, Gateshead Council’s elected representatives were told work will continue with communities to expand Pride and future events with council approval.
Peter Darrant said: “We go to Emerald 55, an educational programme which asks what does Pride mean to me? It does not have to be LGBTQ+, it could be pride in your schools, parks, or football team, we want to engage the community and deliver a series of exhibitions in February which will show the results.
“And we start working on 2025, should you wish it. I’m just the person who delivers it, it is owned by the people of Gateshead, and we’ve had positive responses from it from sponsors and community groups but it is at the will of the council as well.”
Gateshead Council leader, coun Martin Gannon said: “I don’t want to say anything about the negativity, you are right to highlight it Peter but it’s not the story. The story was positive, with fabulous events, millions of people engaged with it on social media and it was a celebration.
“Firstly, this was the first of many, we need to go on. Secondly, it involves everyone as far as I am concerned, yes it’s built around LGBTQ+ but it’s about celebrating pride in Gateshead, whatever your background. I am not dismissive, I think there are clearly challenges we need to face, whether you’re gay or female, who still face serious barriers in society, ethnic minorities, and young people, these are things that need to be highlighted and challenged and Pride will be part of it.
“We are all human beings, we are entitled to love, and we are all entitled to be celebrated and that to me is what this Pride event has been about.”
We've contacted Northumbria Police to ask whether they are investigating the reports of online hate comments.