Our anger overflows regarding the transphobic attack that two young trans people received in the center of Thessaloniki, by a mob of young people. Transgender people were verbally attacked unprovoked in Aristotelous Square at 22:30 by around 100 people who bullied, threatened and verbally attacked trans people with incredible anger.

There was a verbal confrontation with the transgender people fleeing to a local restaurant, while the police were called to safely remove them and avoid the worst.

Even after the presence of the police at the scene, the verbal attack by the gathered mob continued and upon leaving the restaurant the two transgender people received objects and bottles thrown by the gathered people.

The police made 25 arrests from the scene, of which 21 resulted in arrests. Among those arrested are 11 minors. 9 of those arrested are citizens and 12 are foreigners.

This is one of the many abusive incidents started by some who think they are above the law and turn against trans people and LGBTQI+ people in general.

Incidents of violence have increased especially in recent months clearly due to the hate speech and abusive language that has been and continues to be expressed in the public debate within the Greek parliament, in churches, in the media and on social media which unfortunately remain without a resounding response on the part of institutions and the state, thus feeding the snake of fascism that threatens not only LGBTI+ individuals but the whole of society.

Finally, once again the media in recording and reproducing the news used abusive terms towards the LGBTI+ community, proving that training is necessary for people in the journalistic field. At the same time, we demand the immediate and unwavering observance of the Code of Ethics of the Journalistic Profession, especially in the transmission of news related to hate speech and incidents of violence.

We, the co-signatory organizations, condemn the specific incident and declare our immediate and practical support to the victims.

We will not allow you to abuse us.

We will not allow you to terrorize us.

We are here united, strong and proud.

We immediately call for a rally against homotransphobia, today Sunday 10/3 at 19:00 in Aristotelous Square.

If you have material from the incident of violence contact [email protected] or 2311289320.

The co-signatory organizations:

Thessaloniki Pride – Thessaloniki Pride Festival

Rainbow Families

Rainbow School

LGBTQI+ Employment Support Group

Rainbow Seniors

Proud Seniors Greece – LGBTQ+ Support Group for individuals 50 and over

Athens Pride – Athens Pride Festival

Proud Parents

Colour Youth – LGBTQ Youth Community of Athens

Intersex Greece – Greek Intersex Community

EPOA – European Pride Organisers’ Association