Hull Residents Show Support For Lesbian Couple After Homophobic Letter

Rainbow flags have been hung in Hull neighbourhood in support of a lesbian couple who received a letter calling their relationship “immoral and wrong.”

LGBT flags hanging in a Hull neighbourhood

Neighbours of a Hull same-sex couple who were sent a homophobic hate note have shown their solidarity by hanging rainbow flags and messages of support outside of their homes.

Vikki Parkey and her wife Steph were left disgusted after a hateful letter posted through their letterbox declared their relationship as “immoral and wrong.” In the letter, it said: “We, the residents, are not happy with same-sex couples living in our area. Especially not when they are bringing up a child. It is immoral and wrong. We suggest you move to a more appropriate area of the city.”

LGBT flags hanging in a neighbourhood
Rainbow flags and bunting have been hung from houses in the area

The married couple, who live in Chesnut Avenue near Newland Avenue with their 17-month-old daughter, labelled the sender of the letter as an “a**hole.” Since it was posted late on Thursday night, Vikki and Steph, have been showered with support.

Vikki said: “It was a total shock. I was furious, mad that somebody had the audacity to post something in the night.

“My initial reaction was pure anger at the situation.”

LGBT flags hanging in a neighbourhood
Rainbow flags and bunting have been hung from houses in the area

Stephanie said that to suggest they had no right to bring up their daughter had “angered” her.

“She’s 17-months of age, why even bring her into the equation?” she said.

“She just wants love and that’s what we give her.”

LGBT flags hanging in a neighbourhood
Rainbow flags and bunting have been hung from houses in the area

Since the letter arrived people living nearby have come out in support of the couple.

On Saturday rugby league side Hull KR invited the couple to deliver the match ball on to the pitch, saying it was “shocked” by the abuse directed at them.

The chairman of the Hull and East Riding LGBT Forum, Andy Train, said: “I think it’s great that the immediate community is rallying around this amazing family.

“Having dreadful and horrible thoughts is an issue for the letter writer to sort out, please do not foist them on people getting on with their lives.”

A spokesperson for Humberside Police said: “We have spoken to the resident, offering her advice and support and are investigating the incident.”

© 2019 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.

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