12/06/2026
Here they go again 🙄…
This post is a familiar mix of misinformation, prejudice and guilt by association dressed up as “concern”.
The claim that Pride in Belper “banned lesbians” is false. An organisation was refused a stall because it did not meet Pride in Belper’s published values of inclusivity, accessibility, diversity and sustainability. The decision had nothing to do with anyone’s sexual orientation.
The repeated attempts to link Pride, LGBTQ+ people and trans people to criminal behaviour are equally dishonest. Criminals are responsible for their own actions. No community should be judged by the actions of unrelated individuals.
The claims about the Welcome List are also misleading. It is entirely voluntary and exists because many LGBTQ+ people still value visible signs that they will be treated with dignity and respect. No business is compelled to join.
Most revealing is the effort to portray LGBTQ+ people, particularly trans people, as a threat. This relies on fear rather than evidence and seeks to divide communities by creating suspicion of already marginalised groups.
Pride in Belper is run by volunteers who give thousands of hours to create a safe, accessible and welcoming event for our community. We are proud of that work.
The irony is that posts like this are among the clearest reminders of why Pride is still needed. Communities are strengthened by inclusion, not fear, and by bringing people together, not turning them against one another.
