On Wednesday, a man called me a "queer cunt" and threatened to tie a dog lead around my neck – a reminder, if it were needed, that homophobia is alive and kicking in 2026.
It always blows my mind that these laws have been in place in my lifetime and here, seems like something that might have happened hundreds of years ago alongside witch trials. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to live in fear of being reported when in your own home or lured by the police - the places and people you’re meant to feel safest in and with.
Pride is a good reminder for everyone that this shitty behaviour still happens. Sorry it did to you!
I’m so sorry you had that abuse thrown at you. It’s becoming increasingly uncomfortable in the current political climate.
I’ve led a fairly charmed life as a gay man, really. I drifted through my teenage years in the late ’80s and early ’90s without experiencing any real hostility. Even when I ran a pub as a retirement project (never doing that again!), I never encountered any aggro because of my sexuality.
Lately, though, I’ve started to notice a few things creeping in. Nothing as blatant as being shouted at while walking a sausage dog, but there have been moments that carry a certain undertone. Nothing overt, nothing deeply wounding, but enough to catch your attention. It’s felt less like being stabbed by a blade and more like catching a glimpse of one being drawn.
Sorry to hear about your incident! Someone called me a fag during last year’s fireworks - pissed up lad - I was so shocked I burst out laughing which really confused him!
Must read your book! This piece brought back so many memories and feelings. The spectacle and power of Divine that day was truly divine! Was trying to remember what other acts were on in Jubilee Gardens that day. It sure was a sunny day! Thank you.
Beautifully put. I’m a fruit fly but your writing gives me so much nostalgia. KOKO, Paul xx
It always blows my mind that these laws have been in place in my lifetime and here, seems like something that might have happened hundreds of years ago alongside witch trials. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to live in fear of being reported when in your own home or lured by the police - the places and people you’re meant to feel safest in and with.
Pride is a good reminder for everyone that this shitty behaviour still happens. Sorry it did to you!
I’m so sorry you had that abuse thrown at you. It’s becoming increasingly uncomfortable in the current political climate.
I’ve led a fairly charmed life as a gay man, really. I drifted through my teenage years in the late ’80s and early ’90s without experiencing any real hostility. Even when I ran a pub as a retirement project (never doing that again!), I never encountered any aggro because of my sexuality.
Lately, though, I’ve started to notice a few things creeping in. Nothing as blatant as being shouted at while walking a sausage dog, but there have been moments that carry a certain undertone. Nothing overt, nothing deeply wounding, but enough to catch your attention. It’s felt less like being stabbed by a blade and more like catching a glimpse of one being drawn.
I don’t think you’re alone in that. Several friends of mine had shared similar experiences.
The bigotry was always something I read about or saw on documentaries. Now it feels like it’s encroaching, complacency must not be used as an excuse.
Sorry to hear about your incident! Someone called me a fag during last year’s fireworks - pissed up lad - I was so shocked I burst out laughing which really confused him!
Good for you, laughing in his face. What an idiot!
Must read your book! This piece brought back so many memories and feelings. The spectacle and power of Divine that day was truly divine! Was trying to remember what other acts were on in Jubilee Gardens that day. It sure was a sunny day! Thank you.
Thanks, Patrick. What a day that was!