In a harrowing incident on a Sunday night in Newcastle, a group of friends found themselves barricaded inside a takeaway shop’s toilet, seeking refuge from a vicious homophobic attack. The episode unfolded around 5am at the LGBT nightclub Powerhouse, underscoring the ongoing challenges the LGBTQ+ community faces in securing safe spaces.
The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, recounted how the attack began when a man grabbed his buttocks inside the club, leading to mockery and verbal abuse directed at him and his friends. The situation escalated when they challenged the aggressor, resulting in physical violence and homophobic slurs.
One of the victims sustained two broken ribs and other injuries during the altercation. The group of assailants had left the scene by the time security was summoned. Seeking safety, the victims retreated to a local kebab shop, only to encounter the aggressor once again, using intimidating language and continuing the verbal assault with derogatory terms.
Fearing for their safety, the victims barricaded themselves in the shop’s toilet and contacted the police. According to the victim, Northumbria Police’s response was disappointingly slow, and as of their last communication, the incident had not been officially classified as a homophobic attack.
The victim, who also works at an LGBTQ bar in London, decided to come forward to highlight the increasing threats faced by LGBTQ+ venues and patrons. The incident left him deeply affected, with concerns about returning to work and overall well-being. The victim emphasized the importance of safe spaces and called attention to the alarming resurgence of hate-driven attacks, indicating that such incidents reflect the vulnerability of these sanctuaries.
Northumbria Police has launched an investigation into the incident, including a review of CCTV footage. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police via the provided channels.
As this incident joins a growing list of attacks targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for acceptance, safety, and the preservation of safe spaces within the LGBTQ+ community.