Last week, we published short news pieces providing essential information about Bath Pride, including dates, locations, and details on road closures during the parade.
Unfortunately, following the publication, our Facebook page’s comments section became overwhelmed with hateful remarks, forcing us to disable comments to prevent further abuse.
While we do not wish to amplify hateful voices, it is important to expose the extreme nature of some responses to contextualise and condemn them. Such conduct is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
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Among the distressing comments, one individual callously incited violence by referencing a recent fatal attack at Berlin Pride, asking, “Are there any Muslin van drivers in Bath? Asking for a friend…” Another hateful comment expressed a wish for attendees to be afflicted by AIDS.
Other derogatory terms, including “freaks,” “looneys,” and “paedophiles,” were used repeatedly. A bewildering remark wished for acid rain to harm the attendees-a misunderstanding of how acid rain functions.
One user ominously hinted at a nuclear attack on Bath, later retracting when questioned. Several implied that all gay people are sexual predators, while others said they preferred to stay indoors on a beautiful day rather than witness same-sex affection publicly.
One commenter with a Union flag profile picture claiming to be “British, born and bred” displayed contempt for Britain’s legal freedoms, including the right to freedom of assembly and the protections afforded under the 2010 Equality Act. This contradiction revealed an apparent disconnect between claimed patriotism and respect for citizens' rights.
Milder comments included terms like “freakshow” and “weirdos,” with some complaining about the frequency of LGBTQ+ events compared to other public celebrations. However, to our knowledge, no legal restrictions exist preventing any group from organising events or parades.
Notably, many of these accounts displayed full names, photographs, and workplaces, indicating that the posters openly attached their identities to their hostile opinions. While we have chosen not to name them, other outlets have taken that route. It is worth remembering that hateful comments can follow individuals indefinitely.
Reflecting on these messages wishing harm on strangers prompted a simple realisation: happiness does not fuel such hatred. Truly content individuals do not fantasise about violence or illness befalling others, nor feel compelled to hide or lash out because of difference.
Such anger and hatred can be likened to a wound ignored, festering and intensifying over time-a harmful cycle beneficial to no one.
It is unlikely the perpetrators of these comments are reading this now, as they typically engage only with comment sections, which we have closed.
To anyone who may be among them, we express our regret that you feel the need to express yourself through hate. While short-term satisfaction may arise, hatred ultimately consumes from within.
If you have people who care about you, cherish those relationships. If not, perhaps you have yet to meet such people.
There are far more rewarding ways to spend your time-sharing a meal with a friend, enjoying peaceful moments alone, or simply appreciating nature.
It is never too late to change.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that people from diverse backgrounds enjoyed Bath Pride last weekend, embracing music, food, friendship, and solidarity.
We know where we stand.