Mersey Reporter - #Merseybites #News

THE growing spread of online hate speech, particularly on US owned social media platforms, like Facebook, has again come into sharp focus following the cancellation of this year's Liverpool Pride.

The rise in digital hostility is an alarming trend, affecting not just the LGBTQ+ community but society as a whole, as an onslaught of toxic discourse continues to escalate.

This week, the LCR Pride Foundation, the charity responsible for the annual:- 'March with Pride' event, has announced that the 2025 Liverpool Pride, which was originally scheduled for:- Saturday, 26 July 2025, will no longer go ahead due to financial difficulties. Despite operating largely on a volunteer led model, the event still requires funding to take place.

However, financial challenges were further complicated by the Foundation's decision to sever ties with long term sponsor Barclays, following concerns raised by the local LGBTQ+ community.

In addition to exacerbating funding issues, this move has seemingly contributed to a surge in hate filled spam posts, originating not only from within the UK, but more worryingly from other parts of the world, like America.

The influx of external commentary highlights the growing threat of political interference, both direct and indirect, on social issues within Britain. Many of the comments reacting to the cancellation echo rhetoric associated with figures like Donald Trump, raising further concerns about the influence American Social Media firms have on global politics, not just in an international level, but on local matters within the UK.

It's important to remember that Pride is not solely about LGBTQ+ representation, it is about inclusivity in all forms. Yet, much like the concept of free speech, this principle is increasingly being twisted to justify harmful attacks.

This trend poses a significant challenge to democracy. The ability to freely express opinions should not be exploited as a shield for online aggression. Among the negative reactions, some comments have masked hostility beneath economic concerns, with claims such as:- "Good, our kids are safe again." Others subtly shift the conversation, beginning with financial arguments, before veering into political discourse for instance, suggesting that events like Pride should lose funding as a cost saving measure, along with aligning with narratives from groups such as Reform UK.

Crucially, these arguments often overlook the fact that major events like Liverpool Pride contribute significantly to the local economy, generating far more revenue than they consume. Losing yet another high profile event is an undeniable economic setback for the City.

Beyond the financial impact, Liverpool Pride's cancellation also raises urgent questions about the role of social media in shaping public perception. With platforms controlled by non-British corporations, it has become increasingly easy to distort narratives and manufacture the illusion of widespread opposition, even when the reality suggests the majority of residents are either supportive or indifferent to a set topic that has become hijacked by a few.

This situation further underscores the challenges of moderating social media platforms and the devastating effects of coordinated hate campaigns. As digital spaces grow more polarized, ensuring fair moderation and protecting community events from malicious interference is more critical than ever.

It is worth adding that despite what is being said on some parts of the internet, the Foundation has confirmed that discussions are already underway with Liverpool City Council and local sponsors to ensure the celebration returns stronger in 2026.