Laurence Fox, recently suspended from GB News for misogynistic remarks, found himself in the midst of LGBTQ+ protestors at an anti-drag march organized by far-right group Turning Point UK in London. This marked the eighth such rally this year outside the Honor Oak Pub, where a popular family-friendly drag brunch is hosted every Saturday at 1 pm.
In a clip released by Stand Up To Racism, Laurence Fox was seen among a small crowd of right-wing protestors delivering an inaudible speech, while hundreds of LGBTQ+ activists chanted “loser” until he faded into the dwindling right-wing crowd.
Fox’s presence at the rally comes after he faced severe backlash for his derogatory comments about political reporter Ava Evans on GB News. His suspension from the network, alongside host Dan Wootton, who laughed during the remarks, raised questions about the network’s stance on such behavior.
Despite the protests, Turning Point UK supporters, separated from LGBTQ+ activists by a heavy police presence, dispersed around midday. The event was dubbed “particularly embarrassing” by Stand Up To Racism, adding to their message, “We call that 8-0.”
Drag artist and founder of Drag Queen Story Hour UK, Aida H Dee, expressed that Fox’s “pursuit of relevance” relies on attention and called for diverting focus away from him. Dee also highlighted the targeting of LGBTQ+ events by groups like Turning Point UK, branding them as “aggressive people” who distort the essence of a protest.
While Laurence Fox’s suspension from GB News raised questions about the network’s stance on controversial statements, it also served to amplify his platform. Despite calls for him to go away, his presence and actions continue to be a topic of discussion within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
In the face of adversity, LGBTQ+ activists like Aida H Dee emphasize the importance of staying focused on the issues that truly matter, rather than allowing controversial figures to distract from the community’s goals.