Frankie Coultas, Southampton Socialist Party
On a sunny Sunday afternoon, a small grey cloud of anti-LGBTQ+, anti-migrant ‘patriots’ attempted to cast a shadow over Southampton city centre. Ostensibly, they were there to ‘save the kids’ but really their campaign was a vehicle for the divisive ideas of racism, homophobia, transphobia and Islamophobia. Southampton Socialist Party members joined people from across the city to say that the divisive tactics of the super-rich capitalist class are not welcome in our city.
We spoke with people from across the city to discuss why we were there, fighting for a real alternative that benefits all people, not just the wealthy few. Some people we talked to picked up placards and joined us right there and then. The message that Southampton is a multicultural city with no place for hate was clearly felt.
People are struggling and looking for someone to blame. Unfortunately, some people are led to the wrong conclusions by the billionaire-owned right-wing media – blaming trans people, Muslims and migrants for what is really the consequences of the capitalist system: low pay, unaffordable housing, crumbling public services.
We were there to counter that message, pointing towards united class struggle to ‘jobs, homes and services for all!’
Our counter-protest, organised by the trades council and others, outnumbered the anti-LGBTQ+, anti-migrant protest by more than two to one.
