A GAY man was subjected to a homophobic attack and beaten by youths for holding hands with his husband.
Bournemouth drag performers George and Jason Sullovan say they are now “scared to go out as a couple” after Jason was attacked outside the town centre BH2 complex – in an incident condemned by Dorset Police.
The couple left the Boom Battle Bar shortly after 9.30pm on Monday, March 6, having spent the evening playing pool.
George told the Echo: “As we were leaving we decided to hold hands as we hadn’t done it for three years because the last time we did we received verbal abuse – which is actually quite common.
“Then a group of about six boys saw us and started kicking off verbally. In retaliation we said something like ‘why can’t we hold hands?’.
George and Jason Sullovan. (Image: George Sullovan)
“After that, out of nowhere, one of them ran up to Jason, pushed him to the floor and started hitting him for no reason.”
Recovering from a dislocated knee injury, 27-year-old Jason was unable to defend himself – while George watched on in horror.
“I was shouting at them not to hurt him as he was already injured,” added George. “To that, the boy said ‘I don’t care, I’ll put him in a wheelchair for life’ – which is unbelievable.”
Eventually, Jason was able to “hobble” back into the bar where he was aided by staff and police were called.
After a further verbal back and forth, George said another two of the boys forced their way into the bar and punched Jason in the face again before a member of staff chased them away.
BH2 complex in Bournemouth. (Image: Daily Echo)
Jason suffered an eye injury and re-injured his knee in the assault.
Following the shocking attack, George has called for a greater police and security presence in and around the town centre, adding: “It brought up a lot of past trauma for us.
“It has made us scared to go out as a couple. We shouldn’t be scared to show affection to one another in public.
“You wouldn’t have a straight couple attacked for holding hands.
“Whether it’s a minor or major injury, the more public these attacks become the more it might help spark change.”
Eye injury sustained by Jason Sullovan in attack. (Image: George Sullovan)
A spokesperson from Drag Queen Story Hour UK said: “This attack on two LGBTQ people holding hands is a prime example of what it means to be queer in the UK today.”
Dorset Police says it received a report at 9.53pm on Monday of the assault in Exeter Crescent.
A spokesperson said: “It is reported that a man said homophobic abuse to two men, before pushing one of them to the floor. He sustained an injury to his eye.
“Officers attended and carried out enquiries at the scene. Dorset Police does not tolerate hate crime and an investigation is underway to identify the person responsible.
“No arrests have been made at this time.”
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