Thread by @LGBAllies_Cymru

Some LGBAC members & allies wanted to go to Winter Pride in #Carmarthen, but @ConXtions cancelled it last minute, afeard of some ‘hateful’ woman. What’s that about? Buckle up for a thread. #ShameonPride 1/n

In 2023 a pal asked difficult questions of the event & was ‘asked to leave’ cos she knows sex is real, immutable & important. She’s also part of the LGBTQIA community, endorsed by no less than Davina-Louise, Director of @StonewallCymru. #ShameonPride 2/n

The organisers claim they want to support *all* members of the ‘LGBTQIA+ community’. Not those with wrongthink apparently. #ShameonPride 3/n

She was keen this year as @NiaGriffithMP, @Adamprice & @JoyceWatsonmsas were speaking. All represent her in Cardiff or Westminster. #ShameonPride 4/n

It’s the first time, afawk, Dame Nia has spoken on LGB topics since she joined government, so v interesting. Price argued for puberty blockers for young people just this week in #Senedd. Their views matter. #ShameonPride 5/n

Other LGBAC members wanted to be there too. Pride can be fun! They were keen to promote the new #helpline from @AllianceLGB, a useful resource for young people in our communities at #ShameonPride 6/n thelgbhelpline.org

After 2023, our ally wrote to @ConXtions for reassurances she would be allowed to stay. They made no such commitment, despite running a ‘public, open, inclusive’ event. She contacted @SpeechUnion for advice. #ShameonPride 7/n

FSU looked at her video and screenshots. Silencing lawful speech, they said, & wrote to @ConXtions seeking the same reassurance. That a ‘woman of a certain age’ could peacefully & safely attend a public event. #ShameonPride 8/n

Instead @ConXtions abruptly cancelled the whole thing & put out a shameful statement pretending having gender critical views would make other people ‘uncomfortable’ at their ‘inclusive’ & public event. Our pal @Gaynotqueer1 has it at #ShameonPride 9/n

They cited the speakers’ discomfort. Does that mean those elected politicians are *afraid* of one woman w/ her #protectedbeliefs? We want to know what those politicians & funders think. Are they frit? #ShameonPride 10/n

So what about it @NiaGriffithMP, @Adamprice & @JoyceWatsonmsas? Were you party to this decision? Will you meet your constituent to hear that #sexisreal & we should not give unevidenced drugs to youngsters? Are you afeard? #ShameonPride 11/n

The event is organised through @CETMAWales. @Conxtions also credit @TNLComFundWales. Are you happy about this exclusion of an older woman who knows sex matters? Will you get your money back after cancellation? #ShameonPride 12/n

According to press coverage, @WelshGovernment Cohesion Fund is also in the mix. Do Ministers & @CarmsCouncil think such exclusion promotes #cohesion? Should a group unable to run an event w/out fear get £££? #ShameonPride 13/n

We know what our members think. It’s a disgrace that lesbians, gay men, bisexuals & allies are barred from a public Pride event. We are those LGBTQIA+ communities too but you wouldn’t know it this weekend. We’re fed up with the bullies. #ShameonPride 14/n

If @ConXtions staff/volunteers cannot cope with views they don’t like, they’re in the wrong role. Democracy, public service, community support all mean a genuine welcome, even to people you don’t like. #ShameonPride 15/n