On Saturday, June 24, Irish drag king Viktor Complex was “harassed and physically assaulted” in Cork city centre. Accompanied by their partner, the artist was waiting for a taxi after performing at Fred Zeppelins when they were reportedly targeted with verbal insults by numerous passers-by and punched in the head by one man.
Speaking about the incident on Instagram, they explained, “I was still in my full drag king look, and we sadly had multiple people shout nasty remarks while waiting at the taxi rank on Grand Parade.
“2 fellas in particular didn’t appreciate our back talk, and one of them made it physical. I got a punched in the head, but I fought back.”
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The Galway-based performer, also known as Shar Nolan, is disabled and was using a mobility aid at the time of the assault. When attacked, they used their walking cane to defend themself, saying, “I fully believe my spiked saved me from getting more injured”.
“Honestly I’m still in shock with what happened, and how ‘lucky’ I got to only end up with one minor hit to the head. I’ve a little swollen bump near my temple that’s slowly bruising, but it wasn’t in the eye or jaw thankfully,” they added.
“This is the reality of being a visibly queer person in Ireland right now…I’m so angry that things like my assault are becoming more normal.
“I am 31, and at times it feels scarier to be publicly out now than it did when I first came out at 17. I hate this for all queer and trans people, and for all the minorities who are facing danger for daring to exist.”
Concluding their statement, they wrote: “I won’t let them win. Viktor Complex isn’t going anywhere. It takes more than a few scuffs and bruises to keep this drag king down.”
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Speaking to Cork Beo, the drag king revealed that they had been verbally targeted in the city before, but this was the first time that things turned physical. They also clarified that the comments shouted at them were “homophobic and transphobic”.
The attack comes ahead of Trans+ Pride Cork taking place this weekend, July 1, with the performer stating that they are still planning to attend despite being “shaken up” by the assault.
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