Police have reported that they responded to a suspected homophobic attack by a knifeman brandishing a machete.
A victim has been left with a leg wound after an alleged attack on the streets of London. Police responded to an incident in south-east London this afternoon, where it was reported that a man was attacked on Surrey Quays Road in Southwark, with a machete.
The Metropolitan police say they believe that the attack was motivated by homophobia. The victim was transported to hospital in an ambulance and is being treated for his injuries.
A spokeswoman for the Met added: ‘Police are dealing with a suspected homophobic attack in Southwark.
“Officers were called at 3.12pm on Tuesday, July 23, to Surrey Quays Road.
“It was reported a man had been attacked with a machete.
“Officers attended and found a man with a wound to his leg.
“He was taken by London Ambulance Service to a south London hospital.
“The suspect is believed to have left the scene on a motorbike.
“At this time police believe there may be a homophobic motive for the attack.”
A man in his late twenties was hopsitalised after an attack which police are calling a homophobic hate crime, just a week after Pride in London.
The victim was allegedly verbally abused and then assaulted at around 3 AM in the morning on Camberwell Road in South London in what police have described as a hate crime.
The 29-year-old victim was taken to hospital for treatment to a head injury. This has been assessed as not life-changing or life-threatening, and the man has been discharged from hospital.
19-year-old arrested at the scene
A 19-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of GBH. He has since been released under investigation.
The incident is being investigated as a homophobic hate crime due to comments made prior to the assault. Enquiries into the circumstances continue.
Detectives from the Safeguarding Unit based at Brixton are investigating. Anyone with information or footage is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 1376/14Jul or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
On Monday 1 July MPs will debate a petition urging the Government make online homophobia a specific criminal offence. Daniel Zeichner MP, a member of the Petitions Committee, will open the debate.
Bobby Norris states: “As a gay man I find it devastating how members of the LGBT community are still subjected to homophobic abuse online.
“Just because I am on TV I don’t think that makes it acceptable to be sent homophobic messages and comments on social media platforms.
“Nobody should have to receive these comments.”
Mr Norris adds, “I won’t go into detail as to the various names I have been called, but this should not be acceptable and can have an impact on people’s mental health and has certainly helped in making my anxiety and low self-esteem worse by receiving them.”
In response to the petition, the Government said, “The Government recognises the harm that homophobic online messages can cause. We are working cross-Government to challenge inequality and make the UK’s online environment a safer place for everyone.”
Monday’s debate will provide an opportunity for MPs to question a Government Minister directly on this topic.
In January, the Petitions Committee published its report into online abuse and the experience of disabled people. The inquiry found that the current laws around online abuse are not fit for purpose. The report can be read here
A woman and her girlfriend say they were subjected to a frightening Ryanair flight from hell when a group of thugs started calling her “Dyke” and a “lesbo”.
A woman and her girlfriend have yet to receive a satisfying response from Ryanair after she was allegedly subjected to homophobic and misogynistic chants from a group of men on a flight from Stansted to Seville on the 19th June. She accuses the airline of not caring about women or LGBTQ+ people.
Social Media Manager, Laura Muldoon described a horrific flight in which she says that a group of drunken men shouted, used profanity and homophobic slurs against passengers on the flight. Ms Muldoon said although she complained to the flight attendant at the time of the incident but they were unable to do anything about the behaviour.
She said that the men even started to blow up condoms and getting their arses out in front of other passengers. When she turned around to the men to complain, they apparently sent her a small bottle of wine to apologise for the disruption, which Ms Muldoon “politely refused” – that’s apparently when their behaviour turned sour towards Ms Muldoon.
At the time, Ms Muldoon tweeted a picture of the passengers she alleges were disruptive, which was retweeted thousands of time. She wrote, “First-holiday snap! Of this bunch of lads who chanted that I was a “miserable b*tch”, “d**e” and “lesbo” (very well observed!) on @Ryanair flight 12.27 from Stansted to Seville today”.
Although Ms Muldoon did complain to Ryanair over her ordeal via an online system, she tweeted that she had received a “generic” response from the airline, which stated that they were proud of their “high standards and professionalism”
I’ve been waiting while I took this up with @Ryanair directly but their generic response shows they don’t care about women, LGBTQ+ people or in fact anyone and my worry is, businesses like this set the agenda for our whole country. #dearcustomerpic.twitter.com/xVvi4FrxZg
Police in Liverpool are investigating after it was reported that at around 9.20pm, on Saturday, two men, both in their 30s were walking down Manningham Road in the direction of Priory Road, when they were approached by three male youths. The youths made homophobic insults towards them, before, it is alleged, one of them produced a knife and assaulted the men.
One of the victims sustained injuries to his head and neck described as serious but non-life threatening while the second sustained a minor hand injury. They have both been taken to hospital for treatment and were left incredibly shaken by the incident.
The offenders are described as between 12 and 15 years old, with one wearing a dark bubble coat and one riding a bike.
Detectives are urging any witnesses to come forward.
Detective Inspector Tara Denn said, “This was an appalling and unprovoked attack on two men simply making their way home and we are working tirelessly to locate those responsible.
“Two men have been left with significant injuries tonight and the hate and violence that has been inflicted on them is simply unacceptable and won’t be tolerated on the streets of Merseyside.
“I would ask anyone in Manningham Road or the surrounding areas this evening to please come forward with any information. You may have witnessed the incident or youths making off from the scene, or even have CCTV or dashcam footage, and I would urge you to please get in touch with police. Likewise, if you know who is responsible for this crime, please do the right thing and let us know.
“There is absolutely no place for hate crime in society and we know how much of a massive impact it has on victims. I want to reach out to the LBGT community, who I know will be deeply saddened by this news and reassure you that we stand with you and if you report such incidents to the police, we will do our utmost to support and protect you and bring those responsible to justice.
“We are passionate about maintaining the right of all our communities to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect and by working closely with our partners will continue to work to eradicate hate crime of all forms.
“Victims can report directly to the police where experienced hate crime officers will treat them with sensitivity and compassion, or via third party reporting centres in fire stations, citizen advice bureaus and hospitals where the information will be passed on.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside PoliceCC. You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 19100328734 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.
Because the petition reached over 100,000 signatures it will now be discussed in the houses of parliament on the 1st July 2019, which anyone will be able to watch on the official YouTube channel for Parliament.
Working cross-Government to challenge inequality
Responding to the petition a spokesperson for the Government wrote, “The Government recognises the harm that homophobic online messages can cause. We are working cross-Government to challenge inequality and make the UK’s online environment a safer place for everyone”.
In his original petition, Bobby wrote, that he was “devastated” by homophobic abused levelled at the LGBT+ community and wanted it to be debated in parliament. He continued, “Just because I am on TV I don’t think that makes it acceptable to be sent homophobic messages/ comments on social media platforms.
“Nobody should have to receive these comments.
“I won’t go into detail as to the various names I have been called, but this should not be acceptable and can have an impact on people’s mental health and has certainly helped in making my anxiety and low self-esteem worse by receiving them”
Cops in Stoke On Trent are investigating after teens who attended the pride event are attacked on the street.
Officers from the Staffordshire police force are investigating a hate crime after a group of teenagers allegedly verbally abused and attacked another group of teens who were making their way home from Stoke On Trent Pride.
One of the victims was also punched and kicked in the attack, according to the police report.
Another victim claims that the attackers told them to “kill themselves” as well as using anti-gay slurs against the LGBT+ group.
The entire incident was filmed and shows scenes of a horrific and vile attack on members on the young LGBT+ friends – all aged between 14 and 16 who live in the local area.
The attackers can be heard using homophobic slurs against their victims.
We're investigating a report of a hate crime at Stoke-on-Trent Pride on Saturday and would like to reassure the public that lines of enquiry are currently being followed and witnesses are being spoken to. Anyone with information should call 101. More here: https://t.co/E3W4twCMClpic.twitter.com/wXhwUtXzL6
— Staffordshire Police (@StaffsPolice) June 18, 2019
According to The Mirror, the teens were attacked after leaving the annual Stoke On Trent pride over the weekend and were taunted and attacked as they tried to get away in a taxi.
A 14-year-old girl, who identifies as bisexual, told StokeonTrentLive, “We’d had a great time at Pride then all of a sudden this group appeared and started chasing after the taxi. They pulled open the door and start attacking them.
“There were girls screaming at us. They told us to ‘go kill yourselves’ and said we should die. One of them shouted ‘faggots’. I’ve had a few things said to me before but nothing like this. It was mainly girls but there were some boys too. It was right outside the YMCA.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 911 of June 15.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
One Ciara fan, with the username, Lucas_Norton101, who took to social media to criticise the singer, wrote, “Ciara. You shouldn’t be doing this. We respect u too much, Being at a gay wedding is one thing and joining them together is, even more, a greater sin. We love you but this wrong”.
Ciara took the complaint in her stride and offer the most epic clap back, saying, “Firstly Christians don’t judge. Secondly, #YouNeedToCalmDown.”
Lucas’ account has now disappeared from Twitter.
Perez Hilton commented on Ciara snap back saying, “I can’t calm down!!! Ciara’s response to a gay hater who criticized her for appearing in Taylor Swift’s power queer music video for You Need To Calm Down is big Jesus energy!! God loves all!”
A same-sex couple say they were attacked on the top deck of a London bus, after refusing to kiss for a gang of men.
Melania Geymonat and her girlfriend Chris say they were attacked in an apparent homophobic attack in North London.
The Ryanair employee, Melania said that she and her girlfiend were travelling on the top deck of the bus when a group of men began to harass the couple, calling on the two to kiss.
When the couple refused, the gang allegedly became violent towards the couple, according to The Metro.
Melania released a picture of the couple the moments after the attack, which shows them covered in blood with numerous facial injuries.
Melania said, “They wanted us to kiss so they could watch us. I tried to defuse the situation as I’m not a confrontational person, telling them to please leave us alone as Chris wasn’t feeling well.’
“The next thing I remember was Chris in the middle of them and they were beating her.
“I didn’t think about it and went in. I was pulling her back and trying to defend her so they started beating me up.
“I don’t even know if I was knocked unconscious. I felt blood, I was bleeding all over my clothes and all over the floor. ‘We went downstairs and the police were there.”
Melania said that at least one of the alleged attackers spoke Spanish but the remaining gang all spoke with a British accent.
Lewd and homophobic comments
A spokesperson said, “Police are appealing for witnesses and information after two women were assaulted and robbed in a homophobic attack on a bus in Camden. ‘The incident happened at approximately 02:30hrs on Thursday, 30 May after the two women, both aged in their 20s, boarded a N31 bus in West Hampstead.
“As they sat on the top deck they were approached by a group of four males who began to make lewd and homophobic comments to them.
“The women were then attacked and punched several times before the males ran off the bus. A phone and bag were stolen during the assault. ‘Both women were taken to hospital for treatment to facial injuries.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD737/30May. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111
LGBT couples don’t feel they can hold hands in public
Over 80 per cent (85%) of those who answered the poll said that they didn’t feel they could hold their same-sex partner’s hand in public in the UK. Only 15 per cent of those who answered said they would feel comfortable.
Speaking about the findings, editor of THEGAYUK.com, Jake Hook said, “What this poll shows is very troubling. Despite LGBT+ people having almost equal legal rights in the UK, our community still don’t feel that we’re societally equal.
“Gay and bisexual men and women should be able to walk down any street in the UK, where their straight counterparts hold hands and feel that they can do the same without ridicule, attack or comment”.
THEGAYUK.com conducted a flash poll on social media, asking 200 people from the LGBT+ community whether they felt they could hold the hand of their same-sex partner, where opposite-sex partners could and would hold theirs – and the results are staggering.
Over 80 per cent (85%) of those who answered the poll said that they didn’t feel they could hold their same-sex partner’s hand in public in the UK. Only 15 per cent of those who answered said they would feel comfortable.
Speaking about the findings, editor of THEGAYUK.com, Jake Hook said, “What this poll shows is very troubling. Despite LGBT+ people having almost equal legal rights in the UK, our community still don’t feel that we’re societally equal.
“Gay and bisexual men and women should be able to walk down any street in the UK, where their straight counterparts hold hands and feel that they can do the same without ridicule, attack or comment”.
Percieved safety is getting worse
CREDIT: Depositphotos.com
Seemingly the LGBT+ community is getting more wary of showing public displays of affection on the streets of the UK. In 2018 only 41% said they wouldn’t feel they could hold hands with their partner and in 2016 that figure was 23%.
THEGAYUK.com asked a similar question in October 2018 we asked whether LGBT+ people were comfortable holding hands, 41 per cent said no – 22 per cent were unsure and 37 per cent said they were comfortable holding hands.
In December 2016 – where we asked 166 people if they felt they could hold their partner’s hand in a supermarket. Only 30 percent of people said that felt they wouldn’t be able to, where as 23 per cent admited that they already did hold their partner’s hand in public.
Alum Rock Community Forum, a Facebook community which filmed the anti-No Outsiders protests outside Parkfield Primary school is filled with vile homophobic abuse.
However, comments from viewers and members of the group have been widely homophobic and moderators of the Facebook group have as yet, failed to remove any of the vile comments, allowing it to become a breeding ground of hateful bigotry.
The video currently has around 55 comments, with the majority of the comments calling the activist homophobic names, such as fa***t, “drama queen” and many questioning Khan’s gender.
One commenter even went as far as to say that security should have battered him.
Another called upon the “Almighty” to “destroy all gays”.
The group, which has just under 10,000 users describes itself as “a non-profit organisation that provides a platform for the residents of Alum Rock to share their ideas and work together for a better future”.
The group first uploaded the video with the following remarks, “#LGBT Muslim campaigner Ferhan Khan who led this weekend’s BirminghamPride parade alongside Parkfield School teacher Andrew Moffat was kicked out of the event security staff. Is this the #love #nooutsiders #Equalities being promoted?”
It then edited the statement to, “#LGBT campaigner Ferhan Khan who led this weekend’s BirminghamPride parade alongside Parkfield School teacher Andrew Moffat was kicked out of the event security staff. #nooutsiders #Equalities”
The group has now removed the video as well as all the comments.
*This story was updated on the 29th May 2019 to reflect the fact that the group had removed the video and all associated comments.
