A shocking campaign shows how real life homophobia and transphobia is dealt with in minutes by law enforcement, but online hate can fester for years and years.
A brand new campaign has set out to show the impact of online homophobia and transphobia.
Every day thousands of homophobic and transphobic messages are posted online and some of these vile messages made their way onto a disturbing billboard in real life.
Passersby were shocked by what they read and within twenty minutes the police had been called and the removal of the printed messages was underway.
However, the filmmakers are keen to stress that these same messages still appear online.
The powerful video, filmed in Canada, dubbed “Brutal postings” was created for the International Day against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia and is asking people to flag and report hate they see online.
The video starts with a stark fact, that every 23 seconds an anti-LGBT message is posted online.
Filmmakers set out to show what happens when homophobic and transphobic messages that have been published online are printed onto black and white cards and then pasted to a huge billboard.
The result is a shocking wall of hate, which soon attracts the disgust of passersby, who remark at how vile the words are and that the huge billboard needs to be removed.
Some of the messages target the trans community, while others focused in on the gay community.
Within minutes the police are called and the messages are removed – but why doesn’t that happen online?
Lord Sugar has been accused of “casual homophobia” after ‘gay elephant’ jibe.
After Piers Morgan asked his Twitter following whether elephants could be gay, but Alan Sugar couldn’t help but respond. His response missed the mark, however, and was met with condemnation from some followers.
Piers Morgan tweeted, “Genuine question: are there gay elephants?” to which the Apprentice star responded in front of his 5.3 million followers, “Good question they have good memory, That is why they followed you when you went on Safari in South Africa”
RT Genuine question: are there gay elephants? @piersmorgan Good question they have good memory, That is why they followed you when you went on Safari in South Africa https://t.co/O1DC9SDALO
While some were offended by the remark, calling the tweet an example of ‘casual homophobia’ others commented on the laziness of the joke, with one writing, “by all means attempt a gay joke, we wont be offended as long as its witty or clever. This offends me simply because its [sic] beyond dull”.
by all means attempt a gay joke, we wont be offended as long as its witty or clever. This offends me simply because its beyond dull
This isn’t the first time Sugar has been accused of homophobia, last year he was slammed after saying that he had had enough “puffs” in his boardroom. Twitter users were quick to call out the Tweet as homophobic and bigoted living the billionaire businessman having to explain that the tweet was “a bloody joke” and that puffs was not a homophobic slur.
Bobby Norris created a petition imploring politicians to make online homophobia a criminal offence, and it’s reached a whopping milestone.
From Lime Productions
TOWIE star Bobby Norris is celebrating after a petition he created, asking the UK’s government to make online homophobia a specific offence reached over 100,000 signatures.
Taking to social media, Bobby wrote, “WOW!! Thank you so much to everyone who has signed and shared my petition. I can’t wait to get into Parliament now and get this debated”.
As it stands the petition currently has over 114,000 signatures.
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.
The Home Office responded at 10,000 signatures, saying “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.”
“The internet provides a wealth of opportunities for people globally. It is a platform for everyone to share experiences and creativity, and it encourages rich discussion. It has allowed people to create communities and interact in ways that were not previously possible. The Government recognises, however, that some people exploit these opportunities to spread harmful messages which would not be tolerated offline. Protecting people online is a top priority for Government.
“In some cases, these behaviours may already constitute criminal offences, and the law does not differentiate between criminal offences committed on social media or elsewhere. We have robust legislation to deal with internet trolls, cyber-stalking and harassment, and perpetrators of grossly offensive, obscene or menacing behaviour, which may be relevant to some cases of LGBT abuse.
“Hate crime legislation may already apply in online homophobic offences. Hate crimes include crimes demonstrating hostility on the grounds of an individual’s actual or perceived race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity, as well as stirring up hatred on the grounds of race, religion or sexual orientation.
“The Government is taking significant steps to tackle hateful activity online:
• We are funding a National Online Hate Crime Hub which uses specially trained police officers and staff to investigate reports.
• We supported the European Commission Code of Conduct for Countering Illegal Hate Speech which has been signed by key companies including Facebook, YouTube, Microsoft, Twitter and Instagram. A key aim is to ensure that requests to remove content are reviewed in less than 24 hours, and content is removed if necessary.
• We commissioned the Law Commission review of offensive online communications. The Law Commission has just begun a specific review of hate crime legislation.
• More widely, a joint Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS)-Home Office White Paper will be published this year, setting out a range of legislative and non-legislative measures detailing how we will tackle online harms and set clear responsibilities for tech companies to keep UK citizens safe.
The Government recognises that homophobic abuse can have potentially devastating impacts on victims and we are working to challenge inequality beyond a law enforcement approach alone. This broader approach also recognises that we need to ensure we strike the right balance between protecting citizens and protecting their rights to free expression. Everyone has the right to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, however this is not an excuse to spread hatred. Article 10 is a qualified right, which means it is not absolute and it can be restricted for certain purposes.
This approach includes a variety of actions. In July 2018, the Government Equalities Office (GEO) launched the National LGBT Survey to understand LGBT people’s experiences of accessing services. Over 108,000 people completed the survey. In response to the findings, GEO also launched an LGBT Action Plan setting out 75 commitments to improve outcomes for LGBT people. The Action Plan includes a £4.5 million fund to address inequality and support the delivery of commitments cross-sector.
The LGBT Action Plan includes the following commitments to ensure LGBT people feel safe online beyond the actions listed above:
• The Home Office is supporting the police to improve how they respond to hate crime and raise awareness of local support agencies for LGBT victims. The 2018 refresh of the Hate Crime Action Plan is supporting police training that is tailored to the needs of victims, such as those of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic hate crimes.
• The National Crime Agency (NCA) will ensure LGBT people can access educational online safety interventions that are informed by their experiences. The NCA will develop effective and appropriate education interventions to ensure LGBT people can be full, equal and safe participants in online activity.
Disgraced Rugby player Israel Folau’s contract has been terminated after a series of offensive social media posts.
The Australian Rugby Union has served Israel Folau with a contract ending breech notice, following on from offensive social media posts, one of which said that “hell awaits” gay people.
He can now accept the breach notice, in which case his contract is formerly ended or he can challenge it with a hearing.
Last week he posted on Instagram that “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters” should “repent” because “only Jesus saves”.
“Israel was warned formally and repeatedly”
Chief Executive of Rugby Australia, Raelene Castle said, “At its core, this is an issue of the responsibilities an employee owes to their employer and the commitments they make to their employer to abide by their employer’s policies and procedures and adhere to their employer’s values.
“Following the events of last year, Israel was warned formally and repeatedly about the expectations of him as a player for the Wallabies and NSW Waratahs with regards to social media use and he has failed to meet those obligations.
“It was made clear to him that any social media posts or commentary that is in any way disrespectful to people because of their sexuality will result in disciplinary action.
“All professional Rugby players in Australia are bound by the Code of Conduct and there is a process in place for any disciplinary matter. We appreciate that this particular matter will attract significant interest, but due process must be followed.”
In 2018 he received a backlash after another anti-gay tweet, in which said gay people would go to hell unless “they repent their sins and turn to God.”
Rugby player, Israel Folau has come under fire for anti-LGBT+ social media posts.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/125524007@N08/ [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]Australian rugby player, Israel Folau, 30, is set to be fired by Rugby Australia and the New South Wales Rugby Union after a social media post by the player suggested that “hell awaits” gay people.
On Wednesday, he posted on Instagram that “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters” should “repent” because “only Jesus saves”.
In a statement, the governing bodies said, “He does not speak for the game with his recent social media posts, In the absence of compelling mitigating factors, it is our intention to terminate his contract.”
“Israel has failed to understand that the expectation of him as a Rugby Australia and NSW Waratahs employee is that he cannot share material on social media that condemns, vilifies or discriminates against people on the basis of their sexuality,” the governing bodies said in a statement.
“As a code, we have made it clear to Israel formally and repeatedly that any social media posts or commentary that is in any way disrespectful to people because of their sexuality will result in disciplinary action.”
In another tweet sent on Tuesday, Folau wrote “The devil has blinded so many people in this world, REPENT and turn away from your evil ways. Turn to Jesus Christ who will set you free”, after Tasmania opted to make a baby’s gender optional on birth certificates in its state.
Police in Coventry are appealing to the public for information after a 24-year-old man was left with injuries after a suspected homophobic attack.
A 24-year-old man was left with severe facial injuries after a suspected homophobic attack in the city of Coventry police say. THEGAYUK has learned that Coventry police are looking for information on seven males, who were filmed by CCTV outside the Noodle Bar in Coventry in March.
According to the police, a 24-year-old man was attacked and left with multiple injuries which included fractured cheekbones, a broken nose, blurred vision and nerve damage after it is thought that seven men set upon the unnamed victim. The alleged attack happened just before 4.30am on Saturday 16 March.
The alleged assault happened outside the Noodle Bar on Bull Yard in Coventry city centre. Police say that is believed a homophobic insult was heard during the attack.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.UK between 8 am and midnight, or call 101 anytime.
Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting crime reference 20CV/68141L/19.
Detectives investigating a homophobic assault and robbery in Greenwich are appealing for information.
A man was left with multiple injuries and had his car stolen after he was homophobically assaulted in a London park. Police were called to Vanbrugh Park Road in Blackheath in London at 22:23hrs on Sunday, 7 April following reports of an alleged assault.
Officers found a 36-year-old man with bleeding and bruising to his face.
Police are looking for six thugs
The victim was walking on Blackheath Common, Greenwich, in an area known as Blackheath Dip when he was attacked by a group of around five males, and possibly a female.
He was repeatedly punched in the face and held around his neck, causing him to lose consciousness. They then dragged him across the ground by his hood and hit his face against the pavement. Throughout the attack, the gang used homophobic words.
They then stole the victim’s car keys and drove off his white Peugeot 208 Access, which contained his mobile phone and wallet.
The victim was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to a hospital. He has since been discharged but is suffering from his injuries and is still in shock.
One of the males was described as white, with a thin face, thin lips and spoke with a London accent. He was wearing a grey hooded jumper.
Homophobia was the motivation of this assault
Investigating officer Detective Constable Adam Pearce, from the South East Command Unit, said, “This was a completely unprovoked and targeted assault and we believe there may be further victims not yet in contact with police.
“Both the attack and the homophobic motivation of this assault are abhorrent and I appeal to anyone with any information that could assist the investigation to come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the South East Safe Guarding Unit by dialling 101 and quoting reference CAD 7270/07Apr, Tweet @MetCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A street performer known as Disco Bunny has shared footage of him being abused on the streets.
A performer known as Disco Bunny (Pablo Woodward) was entertaining the crowds in Nottingham city centre when he was set upon by a man in the crowd who took offence to Disco Bunny’s look. The man then proceeded to homophobically abuse the performer and at one point called Woodward a “f**king nonce”.
The unnamed man repeatedly asked Disco Bunny who he was sexually attracted to in front of a gathering crowd. When Disco Bunny refused to answer the man’s question the thug launched into a foul-mouthed six-minute rant in which he using the words “nonce” and “batty man”. He also said that he didn’t trust the performer with his six-year-old little boy. During the tirade, the man grew more and more agitated and at one point took off his t-shirt.
Disco Bunny, who travels up and down the country to entertain people in city centres, uploaded the footage on to his Facebook page where it has been viewed over 350,000 times and has been shared nearly 2,500 times.
The man’s rant drew a shocked crowd who jumped in to defend the performer. At one point two people hold up the rainbow flag behind the street performer. Speaking about his supports Woodward said, “I thank the public for their support and for their respect of my work and each other – and for their restrained behaviour. I bear no grudge.”
Police in Nottingham have begun an investigation after a hate incident was reported, Police said, “We have spoken to the victim, a 39-year-old man, and are aware that a video of the incident, in which homophobic abuse is shouted, has been shared online and this will be investigated as part of the enquiry,” a statement read.
“Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that could help the enquiry is urged to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 729 of 1 April 2019.”
The UK government has updated its travel advice for its LGBT citizens planning to take a trip to Brunei following on from the introduction of the death penalty for homosexual acts.
The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FOC) has updated its travel advice to LGBT+ people planning to travel to Brunei – after legislation recently changed in the nation, which affects LGBT+ people.
Brunei has now adopted a law which allows for the death penalty, death by stoning, to be used on men who are found having same-sex sexual relations with each other.
The UK Government’s advice warns travellers, “Homosexual activity is illegal” and warns travellers to “find out about the local laws and customs of the country and area you’re visiting.
“In some countries, homosexuality and/or homosexual relations are illegal and can be subject to severe penalties”.
The office also suggest, “invest in a good guide book – many specialise in advice to LGBT travellers”
Not all laws or punishments will affect non-Muslims in the region.
The adoption of sharia-based laws in the Muslim majority country means that Muslims found guilty of engaging in gay sex will be stoned to death, those who are not Muslim may receive lengthy prison sentences. The law also means that anyone found guilty of committing adultery or trying to denounce Islam or insulting the Prophet Muhammad will also be dealt with the death penalty.
Those found guilty of theft will have their hands amputated. Not all laws or punishments will affect non-Muslims in the region.
Seyi Omooba axed from the theatrical tour of the Curve and Birmingham Hippodrome production of The Color Purple after “homophobic” Facebook post surfaces.
Actor Seyi Omooba has been dropped from the production of The Color Purple after a Facebook post from 2014 in which she said that she did “not believe homosexuality is right” went viral on social media.
The Facebook post from 2014 went viral when actor Aaron Lee shared a screenshot on Twitter saying Omooba owed an explanation to the gay community for her words.
@Seyiomooba Do you still stand by this post? Or are you happy to remain a hypocrite? Seeing as you’ve now been announced to be playing an LGBTQ character, I think you owe your LGBTQ peers an explanation. Immediately. pic.twitter.com/GK2xbzZYgy
— Aaron Lee Lambert (he/him) 🍉 (@aleelambert) March 15, 2019
In the post, Omooba said that she does not believe people “can be born gay”.
She added, “I do not believe homosexuality is right, though the law of this land has made it legal doesn’t mean its [sic] right.”
Curve and Birmingham Hippodrome said that Omooba “will no longer be involved with the production” after admitting that the post had “caused significant and widely expressed concerns”.
The statement reads,
“On Friday 15 March a social media post dating from 2014, which was written by the The Color Purple cast member Seyi Omooba, was re-posted on Twitter. The comments made by Seyi in that post have caused significant and widely expressed concerns both on social media and in the wider press.
“Following careful reflection it has been decided that Seyi will no longer be involved with the production. This decision was supported by the Authors and Theatrical Rights Worldwide.
“The audition process, as ever, was conducted professionally and rigorously, led by an exceptional casting director with actors who are evaluated on what they present in the audition room. We do not operate a social media screening process in the casting of actors”.
As more schools announce that they are suspending the No Outsiders programme, an education expert says that the lessons must continue “in the community where it is most needed.”
Speaking to THEGAYUK the University of Birmingham’s Colin Diamond says that the No Outsiders lessons must continue after four more schools in Birmingham followed in the footsteps of Parkfield Primary School and stopped the teaching of LGBT rights following complaints by parents.
The No Outsiders lesson was the brainchild of Andrew Moffat, where the ethos was to promote LGBT+, disability, religious and gender equality and to help students question transphobia and homophobia in primary schools.
He said, “We must be resolute and hold to the values of the Equalities Act and the Birmingham Curriculum Statement. Local dialogue is essential – but there are red lines here. No Outsiders and in particular the teaching of LGBT issues must continue.
No music, drama and girls’ participation in sports
In a stark warning, Diamond warns that if no action is taken that subjects such as music and drama could be wiped from the ciriculum could be wiped from UK schools.
If No Outsiders did not continue in school Diamond added, “If it does not, I guarantee that the next targets will be music, drama, liberal humanities and girls’ participation in sports.
“No Outsiders is taking off in schools across the UK: it needs to continue to thrive in the community where it is most needed.”
