Trans people dragged from Butlin's toilets in an act of 'assault'

An incident allegedly saw trans people dragged from a toilet at a music festival in Butlins Skegness (Google Maps)

A group of trans people were dragged from a women’s toilet at a music festival held at Butlin’s at the weekend, in what was described as an “obvious display of transphobia” and an “unprovoked act of aggression”.

The incident happened on Saturday night (October 5) at Bang Face, an electronic music festival, at Butlin’s Skegness Resort, and involved a third-party security team.

J Roberts, who was in the bathroom when the incident occurred, said in an Instagram video that an individual was using the women’s restroom who had facial hair and “that was enough” for a security guard to follow them before saying they were not allowed. . to use the space.

“Everyone in the bathrooms responded that it was perfectly acceptable for that person to be there,” Roberts said. “They were in no way threatened by this person. They were in no way bothered by this person, and that this person was welcome in that space.”

In response, the security guard reportedly left, but returned with 10 other employees who allegedly “escalated physical violence” and dragged Roberts and other trans people from the bathroom.

“People were stuck to the walls. I was dragged down the stairs by two security guards,” Roberts said, adding that one guard appeared to be trying to goad someone into punching him.

“This is appalling behavior by security guards and an obvious display of transphobia, not to mention a completely unprovoked act of aggression and escalation, a situation in which no one felt threatened, no one had any kind of problem,” Roberts continued.

“Everyone in the bathrooms was shouting ‘let them pee’, and the only people bothering anyone were the group of 10 security guards shouting and being violent.”

In a video update, also shared on Instagram, Roberts said the response from Butlin’s and Bang Face has been “really good” so far.

“Everyone has been very supportive, and that’s because the only people who were in conflict here were the security guards. Basically, everyone else at the festival was completely on our side,” Roberts said.

A Butlin’s spokesperson told PinkNews: “As an inclusive business, we are very concerned to hear about this incident. To our disappointment, our third-party security contractor did not follow our processes despite being thoroughly informed.

“As soon as we became aware, they were immediately removed from service. We are in direct contact with those involved and conducting an investigation that includes reviewing how we work with contractors.”

Speaking to PinkNews, a Bang Face spokesperson said the team behind the music event were “very saddened to learn of the incident after an “extremely positive weekend.”

They went on to say: “We have been working with stakeholders, friends of the trans community and Butlin’s to help bring about positive change. Bang Face has always been a safe space for ravers and a place to express individuality and creativity.

“We hope that one day the rest of the world will catch up with the inclusivity that has always been part of the rave scene.”

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