A seemingly misogynistic Pride sticker recently caused a stir in LGBTQ+ and gender-critical activist circles. The sticker, depicting a rainbow boot crushing the word “woman,” prompted outrage and accusations of misogyny from gender-critical activists. Many were taken aback by the sticker’s message, with one activist describing it as “abysmal” and another suggesting it revealed an underlying hatred for women.
The sticker came to light when it was shared on social media by a journalist associated with right-wing outlets like GB News, Talk TV, and The Telegraph. This journalist initially claimed that the sticker had been placed over another sticker that promoted “suffragette women’s rights.” Interestingly, the suffragette colors used in the original sticker are often associated with anti-trans, ‘gender-critical’ beliefs, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.
A Sticker’s Message and Its Implications
Anti-trans campaigners seized upon the image, asserting that it “speaks for itself.” They continued to accuse LGBTQ+ people, particularly trans individuals, of harboring ill will toward women, as suggested by the sticker’s imagery. However, as astute observers on social media pointed out, a URL visible on the sticker led to notable anti-trans pundit Posie Parker’s website, ‘Standing For Women.’
Posie Parker’s Involvement
Posie Parker, also known as Kellie-Jay Keen, is notorious for her controversial public speaking appearances, where she has been known to demonize trans people and deride pro-trans allies as “stupid young women.” Notably, Parker’s controversial tour across Australia and New Zealand in 2023 drew attention when she was joined by nationalist neo-Nazis at an event in Melbourne. Parker distanced herself from the group, stating that “no right-minded person sides with Nazis.”
Unraveling the Sticker’s Origin
Twitter users playfully noted the easily identifiable link on the sticker’s corner, joking that the journalist who posted the image had “forgotten to zoom in on the small print.” This incident highlights the complex dynamics and overlapping controversies within LGBTQ+ and gender-critical discourse, as well as the potential for misinterpretation in an already polarized landscape.
In conclusion, the uproar over this seemingly misogynistic Pride sticker serves as a reminder of the deep divisions and passionate debates within LGBTQ+ and gender-critical communities. It also underscores the importance of careful examination and context in understanding the messages conveyed through symbolism and imagery.