Hundreds were evacuated from a conference organised by the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) Alliance when live crickets were dumped in an auditorium.
Trans activists were reportedly behind the protest, although nobody has admitted to the stunt at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster on Friday.
James Esses, who attended, tweeted the video and said: “Trans activists have just disrupted the annual Conference being held by LGB Alliance by releasing insects in the main hall.
“These nasty individuals who seek to disrupt a peaceful conference of lesbian and gay people show themselves up to be the real bigots.”
A 17-year-old girl, who had been at the protest, dumped a bag containing hundreds of the insects before leaving. It is thought that up to six people may have been involved.
🚨Breaking🚨
— James Esses (@JamesEsses) October 11, 2024
Trans activists have just disrupted the annual Conference being held by LGB Alliance by releasing insects in the main hall.
These nasty individuals who seek to disrupt a peaceful conference of lesbian and gay people show themselves up to be the real bigots. pic.twitter.com/9XusmvWL0j
Rhona Hotchkiss, the compere of the event, encouraged people to stamp on the crickets before those visiting were told by security to leave immediately.
The LGB Alliance formed in 2019 to protect the rights of lesbians, gay men and bisexuals and are a registered charity.
The 2024 conference, held on Friday, invited guest speakers and promised a “lively, thought-provoking and action-packed day”.
After the crickets were released, the conference continued but some of the sessions needed to be cancelled.
It was not said why trans protestors might have had a problem with the alliance.
Kate Barker, LGB Alliance’s chief executive, told The Telegraph that the protesters had been stopped as they tried to leave.
She added: “They are trying to squash reasoned debate with silly tactics.
“I also feel sorry for those crickets that got squished. We’ve got a lot of vegans and vegetarians who are very unhappy about that.
“All it does is delay us by 15 minutes while they are hoovered up and will cut one of our sessions a bit short.
“I didn’t see them do it, but I saw a couple of very young looking, quite agitated people – around 16 or 17 – run out.”
The Met Police has said it is aware of an incident and is looking into it. There have not been any arrests.
