Keir Starmer was ‘beaten up’ defending gay friend from attack as a teen
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Labour leader Keir Starmer’s past experiences with defending LGBTQ+ individuals have come to light in a new biography written by Tom Baldwin. The book, titled “Keir Starmer: The Biography,” reveals a harrowing incident from Starmer’s teenage years when he was physically assaulted while trying to protect a gay friend.
According to the biography, in the summer of 1980, after completing his A-levels, Starmer worked at a holiday centre in Cornwall with his friends Mark and Graham. One night, the trio went to a nightclub where Graham, who was openly gay, was targeted by local youths who attacked him. Starmer and Mark intervened, leading to all three of them being beaten up.
Starmer recounted the unfair treatment Graham faced, including being kicked out of his own home by his father. Reflecting on the incident, Starmer expressed his belief that society has become less cruel and hateful over time, but acknowledged that there is still progress to be made.
Another incident detailed in the biography involved Starmer’s niece, Jess, who was violently attacked for being a lesbian just six weeks after marrying her wife, Samantha. Three men assaulted Jess, resulting in a fractured cheekbone. The attack served as a stark reminder for Starmer of the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
Baldwin described how Starmer showed him photos of Jess before and after the attack, demonstrating the Labour leader’s personal commitment to LGBTQ+ rights. Despite his typically reserved demeanor in public, Starmer’s anger over the attack on his niece was palpable.
However, Starmer’s record on LGBTQ+ issues has been met with criticism from the community in recent years. He faced backlash for reversing Labour’s policies supporting self-ID for trans people and abstaining on key gender reform bills. Additionally, he was accused of attending an anti-LGBTQ+ church and making controversial statements regarding trans rights.
In a tense interview, Starmer appeared to support outing trans pupils in schools and made comments about defining women based on biological sex. These remarks led to accusations of throwing trans people under the bus and sparked further debate about his stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
Despite these controversies, Baldwin argued that Starmer’s personal experiences with defending LGBTQ+ individuals demonstrate a genuine commitment to equality and justice. The biography sheds light on the complex relationship between Starmer’s personal history and his political decisions regarding LGBTQ+ issues.
Overall, the biography offers a deeper understanding of Keir Starmer’s background and sheds light on the challenges he has faced in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. As he navigates the complex terrain of politics and social justice, Starmer continues to grapple with the complexities of LGBTQ+ issues and strives to create a more inclusive society for all individuals.
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