A Leeds mum has hit out at 'cruel' parents who openly laughed at her 11-year-old daughter's choice of prom outfit.
Mischa Parker from Morley, aged 11, was mocked by the parents of her classmates for deciding to wear a suit to her primary school prom.
She was reported "really excited" about her dickie bow, smart black jacket, and trouser combo, that is until parents at her school ruined her night with cruel comments.
Chaperoning mums and dads at the event allegedly starting laughing at her and calling her "suit girl" which was enough to ruin the poor girl's night and call her self-esteem into question.
Poor Mischa was so upset by the name-calling from the adults that she called her mum to come and pick her up from the prom early.
Mischa Parker pictured with her mum Tamara and her brother Tom / Image: Tamara Auty / SWNS
Her mum has since hit out at those responsible, calling their behaviour "disgusting."
"When I was 11 I had no idea who I was, but Mischa has always known who she is and what she likes," said mum Tamara.
"I’d taken her shopping the day before and she was really excited trying it on. She was a bit nervous hoping nobody laughed at her.
"I just think that children should be allowed to express themselves - why should my daughter be made to feel bad about the way she likes to dress?
"Why try and knock a child down for that?"
Mischa had picked out the outfit herself with a little help and encouragement from her mum, Tamara Auty, at H&M ready for her prom at Fountain Primary School.
Tamara said: "She did end up going into the boys' section and got a dickie bow as they suited her a bit more.
Bolstered with praise from her family, who thought she looked great in her smart suit combo, Mischa started to get excited for the party - putting on mascara and having her mum do her hair.
Tamara said: "I’d straightened her hair for her, she’d put a bit of mascara on, nails painted black and normally she doesn’t bother with makeup or do anything with her hair.
"She was a little bit nervous but felt really good, she really liked the suit."
Reflecting on what had happened, mum Tamara said:
"I think it was an attack on her individuality, I work in mental health myself I just think it was really disgusting."
"Me at eleven, I had no idea who I was, but Mischa has always known who she is and what she likes."
Feature image - Image: Tamara Auty / SWNS.
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Independent Leeds bookshop raises money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to ‘deface’ Harry Potter books
A bookshop in Leeds is inviting its customers to vandalise Harry Potter books for charity.
Well, this is definitely one we haven't seen before.
The Bookish Type on Great George Street in Leeds is a fabulous independently-owned queer bookshop that prides itself on being a safe space for all.
They're raising money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to vandalise Harry Potter novels for just 25p per go.
A bargain if you ask us, and all for a good cause. And don't worry, all the books are second hand and have been donated.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're not understanding the immediate connection between the two, then allow us to fill you in.
J.K. Rowling, the author of the famous Harry Potter novels, has over recent years expressed transphobic comments and anti-trans political beliefs on social media.
Yesterday, Wednesday 25 March, the trailer for the new HBO Max Harry Potter series was released which has encouraged many people to speak out against Rowling and claim she should no longer be supported.
So, The Bookish Type are showing support for the trans community and asking those who feel frustrated to have a doodle and whilst they're at it, donate to a good cause.
If you're not able to make it into the shop, The Bookish Type have said "You will soon be able to donate online and we will personally deface a page with your message/doodle/scribble."
We're absolutely obsessed.
Find out more about The Bookish Type and if you can, pop in for a browse and a doodle whilst you're at it.
Featured image - The Bookish Type Leeds (Supplied)
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Leeds to be transformed into a giant board game as Trivial Pursuit takes over the city
Clementine Hall
Leeds is set to become a giant board game this summer as Trivial Pursiot arrives in the city centre to celebrate a landmark moment in its history.
To mark 400 years since Leeds was granted its royal charter, LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) is transforming the city into a live interactive version of Hasbro’s iconic Trivial Pursuit board game, inviting residents and visitors to test their knowledge of all things Leeds.
It follows the huge success of the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover back in summer 2024 and this year, LeedsBID is once again working with leading game, IP and toy company Hasbro to bring another of its iconic games to life.
This time, the focus is on the stories, achievements and surprising facts that have shaped Leeds over four centuries.
Running from 25 July to 30 August 2026, the free experience will see participants journey across the city centre answering questions and collecting wedges, just like the classic trivia game.
Key locations will represent the six traditional Trivial Pursuit categories: Entertainment, Geography, Sports & Leisure, Science and Nature, History, and Art & Literature.
Matt Proulx, Senior Vice President of Global Experiences, Partnerships and Music at Hasbro said: “After the incredible response to the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover in 2024, we’re proud to collaborate with LeedsBID once again to reimagine another iconic brand in a bold new way.
"This is exactly how we think about Global Experiences at Hasbro - taking our brands beyond the table and creating experiences that are social, shareable and deeply connected to the communities they celebrate."
Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID, said: “TRIVIAL PURSUIT Leeds is about celebrating everything about this great city, from those headline facts and figures people know to the lesser-known surprising details and discoveries.
“LeedsBID’s raison d’etre is to put Leeds on the map and tell the stories and successes of the city. Trivial Pursuit Leeds is doing just that, providing a free, fun and entertaining activity for all ages while sharing new and interesting achievements of this amazing place.”
Georgina Pellant -
9th August 2021 
