By Sophie Molly
The Burley area of Leeds has been repeatedly targeted with anti-trans graffiti since January. The streets around Burley St Matthias Primary School (website) have been the worst affected. In their blog Dress Rehearsal Rag (link), Burley resident Marie Hummingway describes the graffiti:
“There’s a lot of language here that Trump has been using this week, and it’s unsurprising that UK transphobes feel emboldened. Some comments have already been partly covered up but appear to say: ‘Child abuse flag,’ ‘Only two genders,’ ‘Stop lying to kids,’ and ‘It’s not possible to change gender.’”
In an interview for Transvitae, Maggie mentioned that it has been “reported to West Yorkshire Police at least eight times since the end of January.” Maggie and others have covered the graffiti, but each time it is removed, it reappears with further derogatory and transphobic messages.
Maggie said they’ve had people message them “with a name of someone they suspect who is the parent of a child who attends that school, but it has not gone anywhere. Apparently people have seen him scraping pro-trans, pro-Palestine, and other left-wing stuff off of lampposts.”
Police have responded, saying, “The incident has been recorded as hate-related criminal damage. Staff have been made aware and will increase their patrols and look for any further damage that may have been caused.”
Local residents have been left shocked and distressed by the wave of criminal damage. Lydia Addams thinks it’s “very sad to see such shameful disrespect and ignorance within the community.” Kayti Oddy said, “The most closed minds often come with the most open mouths. Absolutely vile.”
Worst of all for the community, it appears this graffiti has spread to other areas. Lisa Rose said, “It’s written all over bus shelters at Bramley Shopping Centre too.” Emily Gasper also commented on there being “very similar graffiti in Bramley.”
Community Stands in Solidarity
Meanwhile, members of the community have come together in a show of solidarity.
Local queer cartoonist Molly Pukes (website) has volunteered her time to restore what was damaged. Jay Em Dee suggested the community “club together” to donate LGBTQ+ children’s books to the school and community.
“Their hateful behavior won’t win here.”
Marie Hummingway said police believe more than one person is involved in the crimes. The investigation remains ongoing. The school has yet to make any comment on the situation.
About the Author
Sophie Molly is a dedicated political activist and intersectional feminist committed to advancing policies that promote inclusivity and equality. Sophie’s work emphasizes the importance of recognizing interconnected forms of oppression and advocating for comprehensive solutions that benefit all individuals, regardless of gender identity.
