UK

Gay man doused in bleach in vile homophobic attack while volunteering at a charity shop

Moya Lothian-McLean in news



Today it emerged that homophobic hate crimes in London have increased by 55 per cent in just five years.

That figure represents harrowing and traumatic experiences suffered by more than 3,000 LGBTQ+ individuals just trying to live their lives.

Like the story reported on Twitter yesterday by Alex Redfern, whose partner Joe Shannon became the victim of a horrifying homophobic attack while working in a charity shop.

“Today Joe was attacked,” wrote Redfern in a post on Twitter.

“He was covering a charity shop on what was meant to be his day off, someone came in doused him in bleach whilst shouting homophobic abuse.”

Redfern went on to say that his partner had been given immediate first aid when the incident happened but had suffered minor burns and eye damage.

Shannon was released from the hospital that evening, thankfully with no lasting physical injuries, and the event was reported to the police.

But Redfern highlighted his worry that the attack – which he said was completely unprovoked – would set back progress his partner had made after receiving treatment for PTSD.

Shannon suffers from dissociative seizures and amnesia as a result of his condition and has found gardening helps manage the stress of symptoms.

Together, he and Redfern have created an award-winning garden in their South London home and command a big social media presence under the handle @Gardening_Guys.

It’s where they reported details of the terrible incident to their seven thousand followers.

In response, the pair received an outpouring of solidarity and support.

They say the deluge of well-wishes has helped to restore their hope in people.

And they're determined not to let hatred win, today resuming posting updates on the latest garden developments.

Hate withers, love blooms.