Wickes is receiving controversy after a controversial float championing trans rights at Brighton Pride.
At the weekend, the hardware manufacturer marched through the coastal town with a float with the slogan “no LGB without the T.”
The lines were splashed on a pink and white transgender flag, with the strapline ‘we stand with our trans siblings now and fore
ver’ underneath them.
Wickes’ campaign, however, prompted a heated discussion on Twitter, with campaigners on both sides chiming in to voice their perspectives.
Allison Bailey, an activist and friend of J K Rowling, tweeted: ‘To be clear, this is Wickes encouraging illegal discrimination against lesbians, homosexuals, and bisexuals and making our rights contingent on supporting another group.’
Ms Bailey has been an active member of the LGB alliance, a nonprofit that promotes and supports gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals, for many years.
Other fans, however, applauded Wickes for its inclusive slogan on display in East Sussex, with one tweeting: ‘Wickes have won Twitter today… well done to whomever took the choice to do Pride properly.’
Wickes stated in a statement, “We were pleased to take part in Brighton Pride this weekend to celebrate their 30th year, and even more proud of our LGBTQ+ Employee Network who work hard every day to ensure everyone can feel at home at Wickes.” We are an inclusive home improvement employer and merchant that supports the whole LGBTQ+ community.’
The poster sparked a heated debate online, with campaigners on both sides of the dispute chiming in.
‘Companies are now telling LGBT people what they should accept – all in the name of diversity,’ said Nick Buckley, a youth charity worker and former political candidate. Is Wickes used by any LGBT people? Will you go on?’
‘I’m bewildered by the message,’ one social media user stated. Is it true that there are no lesbians, homosexuals, or bisexuals without transgender people?’ Another user praised the phrase, writing, ‘Their rivals must be heartbroken they didn’t beat them to ‘no LGBTQ without B&Q.’
‘I would say, if corporates are going to be at Pride, it’s fantastic to have true strong message,’ they said.
‘We must presume Wickes has not comprehended the meaning of this phrase,’ said Kate Barker, Managing Director of the LGB Alliance.
‘They can’t genuinely think that lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals can’t organize for themselves without the approval of trans people.’
‘It shows the perils for corporations in parroting catchphrases provided to them by advocacy organizations,’ they noted.
Stonewall was forced to retract a tweet last week that claimed youngsters as young as two might be transsexual.
‘Research reveals that children as young as 2 recognize their trans identity,’ it stated in response to a Metro piece about a ‘non-conforming’ four-year-old whose childcare did not accept their views.
‘However, many nurseries and schools promote a binary concept of gender.
‘LGBTQ-inclusive and affirming education is critical for all young people’s well-being!’
However, in response to criticism over the tweet, the organization issued a clarification statement.
‘We were commenting on an article written by a parent reflecting on how their kid was cared for in nursery,’ it said. The parent was concerned that their kid was being pressed to conform to gender norms.
‘While we do not actively engage on nursery education, we think that young children should be permitted to play, explore, and learn about who they are and the world around them without adults imposing their beliefs on them.
‘We support current regulations to guarantee that LGBTQ+ identities are taught to primary and secondary school students in an age-appropriate and timely way.’
Wickes was also advocating against conversion therapy in Brighton, which may entail physical assault and harsh tactics in severe cases.
The UK government vowed to outlaw the practice in 2018, but laws introduced earlier this year excluded trans persons.