Boyz was established in 1991, and has since been a key LGBTQ guide to what’s on in queer London, with the publication often being referred to as the gay Timeout.
However, it would appear the magazine may be in trouble as many high profile brands and LGBTQ stars have cut ties with them and publicly berated Boyz and editor, David Bridle, on Twitter.
The community is angry over retweets made by Bridle and Boyz in support of various LBG Alliance statuses. Subsequent to the outcry against the tweets, the editor then further reinforced his support for the anti-trans group.
Among the outraged was high-profile drag performer Baga Chipz, who said: ‘TRANS AND NON BINARY PEOPLE EXIST. AND NO HATE GROUP OR PUBLICATION WILL EVER TAKE THAT AWAY. The Trans community are the most inspirational, bravest people I know. Sending my trans brothers and sisters so much love.”
According to Galop, the LGBTQ anti-violence charity, trans people are under such high rates of physical, sexual, and verbal attack that more than half feel less able to leave their home, this fear is only intensified when public figures, such as politicians and high-profile newspaper coulmnists demonise trans people.
Gscene spoke to Dr Sam Hall, trustee at The Clare Project, who echoed this: “At a time when trans people’s rights and very lives are more at risk than ever, we need our LGB allies to speak up and speak loud. Trans people are exhausted by constant battering from right wing and gender critical angles right now. This extraordinary platforming of a hate group in a mainstream LGBT publication comes hot on the heels of a Trans Day of Remembrance honouring more deaths than ever before. Young and carefree LGB folk MUST be constantly reminded of the giants on whose shoulders they stand…”
Although the offending tweets have since been deleted and the editor has apologised and defended his anti-trans stance, people are not convinced. Bridle has since deleted his twitter account.
David Paisley, actor and activist/ally said on twitter “This is lies. The owner/editor of Boyz Magazine is a follower and supporter of LGB Alliance. He’s deleted his Twitter to avoid scrutiny. Don’t fall for it.”
Sarah Savage, children’s author and Trans pride Brighton Trustee, said: “It’s really hurtful that Boyz magazine chose to host an event with an anti-trans hate group only days after the end of Trans Awareness Week and TDoR. Their apology rings hollow as it only came after the event had happened and all of the tweets advertising it had been deleted. I hope the magazine follows through on their promise to learn and grow from this incident but they have a lot of making up to do.”
There is no LGBTQ equality without Trans equality.
You must be logged in to post a comment.