"I'm scared," says Doncaster singer over LGBTQ+ flag bans

A popular Doncaster LGBTQ+ singer has hit out at Reform UK led authorities stopping flying Pride flags, and said: “I’m scared,” as she prepares to wed her partner later this year.

Former Bang Bang Romeo singer Anastasia Walker opened up on her fears in a heartfelt and emotional post to fans.

The singer, daughter of television actor Chris Walker, has long been a spokesperson for the LGBTQ+ community and her post came after Barnsley Council said it would no longer fly the Pride flag.

A number of other Reform UK led authorities around the country have also said they will no longer display the rainbow flag or support LGBTQ+ events.

In a lengthy social media post, Anastasia wrote: “I am scared.

“For the first time, truly, in my life as an out and proud lesbian woman, I am scared.

“In so many ways, I am so lucky that as a lesbian woman, I have never lived through the years whereby being an out lesbian woman in the UK meant prison time for me.

“That me being open and honest about who I naturally loved would end in me being handcuffed, sentenced and set to live in cell for my “crimes”.

“I also used to believe that I was lucky that I didn’t live in an era whereby my rights would be taken away from me or even not granted at all.

“Where I was less likely to experience abuse, homophobia, attacks and inequality. “Used to” being the prevalent part of that sentence - is what is currently making my skin crawl.

“Yes, I am scared.

“Myself and my partner are getting married in October and the conversations below are a very real, active and serious part of our household right now:

“Maybe when we get married we just don’t do the legal part and get the documentation? Just in case they can use that against us.

“Maybe having kids right now is a bad idea? Just in case”

“Maybe we leave the country? Just in case.

“Where can we go on our honeymoon? We’ve got to be careful”.

“I think our local community is voting Reform - is it safe for us to stay here?”

“If we live here and have children, where are they less likely to get bullied or attacked in the country?

“Can we hold hands there?

“These are all real conversations currently being had in my own f***ing home.

“Within the walls of our safe space.

“We are currently living in a world ignorant to the pattern of history.

“We all know how this ends, and yet we still haven’t learnt.

“We still allow fear, hate and lies to cloud our judgement.

“Councils are now openly without debate or protocol cutting funding for minorities that do not fit into the mould of white, straight, or middle class.

“Pride flags symbolising the support of minorities and acceptance are being BANNED on government properties in this country.

“A man in the 1930’s had that of a similar notion and we all saw what happened there.

“After deep contemplation this afternoon, I have come to the decision that being SCARED is not in my nature and the following will no longer waver from here on in.

“I am a proud, kind, and wonderful lesbian woman in love with another.

“Myself and my community will not allow division to rear its ugly head again.

“We’ve come too far for that. I am fully prepared to be on the right side of history and if you wish to stand in our way. Good f***ing luck.

“If you are someone condoning, standing by the supporting of hate crimes against minority communities, WE will become your biggest problem.

“We will not stand by and allow history to repeat itself. We see you. We SEE YOU.

“If you harbour hate and are a part of the shadow looming once again in the world, you need to know this - love ALWAYS wins. I am scared, for you.”