Organisers of All Together Now took to their social media over the weekend to issue a statement in support of the trans community.
It came after backlash from some over two speakers at the festival on Saturday (July 30th).
The statement in full reads:
Though not named in the statement, Stella O'Malley took to Twitter to say that ATN were apologising for giving her and author, Rachel Moran, a platform, rather than for the content of their speeches. She states that the talk was about "sex and intimacy".
There were no complaints. However @ATNfestival decided to issue an apology for platforming us - NOT because of any issue with our talk.
Our talk was about "Sex and Intimacy " & the issue of trans rights did not arise during our talk.
Please take this article down @breakingnewsie— Stella O'Malley (@stellaomalley3) August 1, 2022
Both speakers have staunchly denied discussing issues relating to the trans community at this event.
Rachel Moran also tweeted that a "45 minute audio recording I have of the event... will also confirm that 'trans issues' were not mentioned or alluded to".
Tweeting on Saturday, Rachel had thanked All Together Now for "refusing to capitulate to demands from online bullies to silence women. It was a lovely event, went really well, & the highlight was the proponents of cancel culture being denied in their mission to shut women up."
Huge thanks to the @ATNfestival for refusing to capitulate to demands from online bullies to silence women. It was a lovely event, went really well, & the highlight was the proponents of cancel culture being denied in their mission to shut women up. #TheTideIsTurning https://t.co/fqQjBeIA3n
— Rachel Moran (@RachelRMoran) July 30, 2022
However, ATN issued their statement just over an hour later, which read, "Today we had two speakers here who do not align with the views of ATN Festival. We wholeheartedly and unreservedly apologise to all our festival community, artists and supporters for any hurt or anguish caused. We support trans rights. It is as simple as that. Our hopes for this festival is that it is a safe, supportive and loving environment for everyone - All Together Now".
