Members of the LGBT community feel threatened by rising rates of homophobic attacks in Bournemouth.
Homophobia is still very much a big issue in this country to this day, with many people being bullied in school, harassed and assaulted on nights out.
Mikila James, founder of the BCP LGBTQ+ page said: “We are slowly seeing our rights being threatened or taken away completely. Unfortunately, those type of influences has had a big impact on our community in this country.”
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Student Julia Kinsella said: “The reason that I am not openly queer is through fear of someone harassing me because, it sticks with you and can make you feel shameful and afraid, even though there is no need feel that way.
“You can have a whole support system and still feel unsettled just from something someone has said to you in the street. It gives you constant paranoia and fear.”
With harassment on the rise, it’s important to recognise, due to mob mentality within society, as little as a comment can severely affect an individual.
Mikila said: “These biases are because of other countries influences”
Going forward as a community Mikila said: “All we can do as we have for years, is highlight that we are not a threat or a danger to the rest of society.
“We have to continue fighting as those who came before us. We have to show that we are not trying to convert others or be a threat, we just need to show we are as human as anyone else.”
Dorset Police, and the Police and Crime Commissioner, were approached for comment but neither have responded at this time.
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