Scotland’s first anti-austerity LGBTI group is now up and running.
Activists have combined to form FIST (Fight Injustice Stand Together), which is set to hold its first meeting before launching a series of actions against cuts in public spending.
Campaigners say they aim to put politics back into the LGBTI community.
Spokesman Chris Fear said: “The objective of the meeting is to get people to agree a few basic principles and form a movement to oppose austerity first and foremost: that could take the form of everyone marching under the FIST banner, or it could take the form of a broader movement of groups, like a coalition. It depends what people there think is the best option to take.
“I’ve been involved in queer activism in the past that’s been marred by separatism and division: FIST is entirely opposed to that. We recognise and celebrate difference, but understand that fundamentally, it is solidarity between different groups that breaks down barriers and creates progress. Everyone should be united in one common goal: liberation for everyone. If you are not free, I am not free.”
The first FIST public meeting will be held on Wednesday, 4 November at 7.15pm in Govanhill Baths, Glasgow.