Heckler at gender debate who went viral suspended by Green Party

This week Channel 4 hosted a live debate which aimed to discuss some of the central questions relating to gender identity in the UK.

Though far from being a civilised debate, Genderquake: The Debate viewers were left disappointed and distressed after trans participants, including Munroe Bergdorf and Caitlyn Jenner, were repeatedly heckled by audience members.

One person in particular repeatedly interjected, with Bergdorf - who identifies as a woman - requesting she be removed for calling her a man.

Viewers were shocked by this behaviour. After the debate, the most vocal heckler was identified as Olivia Palmer, who stood as a candidate for the Green Party in the 2015 and 2017 General Elections.

Following complaints made by the LGBTIQA+ Greens and others, Palmer has now been suspended.

LGBTIQA+ Greens addressed the incident in a statement.

We would like to reiterate for everyone that there is no place in the Green Party for transphobia, and we are glad that the Party has been able to demonstrate its commitment to our policy - 'The Green Party recognises that trans men are men, trans women are women, and that non-binary identities exist and are valid' - through its actions. 

We would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to report this issue, and encourage people to continue calling out instances of transphobia when they see them.

Despite her suspension Palmer remains unapologetic, even referring to Bergdorf as a man on Twitter.

According to her Twitter feed, Palmer was also involved in distributing anti-trans leaflets at the women's FA Cup final on 5 May. The distribution of these leaflets was condemned by the Football Association.

If you have been affected by this article, you can contact the following organisations for support:

​mermaids.org.uk

switchboard.lgbt

stonewall.org.uk

More: Viewers 'disappointed' after trans panellists were heckled at Channel 4 gender debate