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A lesbian rights march through Leeds city centre was challenged by trans rights counter demonstrators today.

Lesbian Strength organised the protest after members said they feel 'excluded and even unsafe at the many Pride events'.

A group of around 50 women met in City Square at 2pm with signs and banners that had slogans such as 'Lesbian is not a bad word' and 'Lesbian love is beautiful'.

They then set off in procession down Boar Lane but were soon followed by a similar sized group of counter demonstrators chanting, "we're here, we're dykes, we stand for trans rights."

Police were careful to keep the two marches separate as both made their way down Boar Lane.

When they reached Lower Briggate - home to many of Leeds' gay bars and the centre of the recent Leeds Pride celebrations - Lesbian Strength were booed by crowds of people lining the streets, some of whom had brought banners supporting trans rights.

Undeterred, they continued to chant slogans such as "protect lesbians rights" and "no man is a woman, no man is a lesbian".

By contrast, the counter demonstrators were cheered as they passed.

Previously Leeds City Council banned an advert for the Lesbian Strength March in Leeds Inspired due to the 'exclusive nature of the event', after they told the council that trans women would not be welcome.

The organisers told the council the event is 'the only one of its type that does not include trans women' and they are 'entitled to make the march lesbian only' under Equality Act 2010.

The march was the second of the day in the city centre after Tommy Robinson supporters also led a demonstration.

Leeds Stand Up To Racism held a counter-protest and march, with tensions flaring outside the Griffin pub and police forced to intervene.

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