"I chose not to be afraid to exist in the public space," Barbara Butch, a popular DJ and LGBTQ+ icon said in an interview with broadcaster France Info before walking onstage with the torch at a musical event in Saint-Cloud, a western suburb of Paris. "I know I represent France in the same way as anyone else," she added. This statement encapsulates her fierce stance against hate and her sense of belonging despite adversity.
"Justice will do its job and then we will tackle the international level," Butch said. This highlights her resolve and the systematic approach she intends to take towards addressing hate speech and violence directed at her and others.
"A specialized team has managed to identify hundreds of people who had sent ... the most violet messages," she said, emphasizing the severity of the online threats she's faced and the determination of authorities to address this concerning issue.
Butch was among nearly 1,000 torch bearers - who will carry the Paralympic flame, split between 12 torches, to 50 cities across France in the next few days to highlight communities that are committed to promoting inclusion in sport and building awareness of living with disabilities." This elaborate journey signifies a profound commitment to inclusivity and recognition of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
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