CW: Graphic content and images depicting homophobia and physical violence.
A lesbian couple was violently assaulted in Dublin on Monday, May 16, in what is said to have been a homophobic attack. The incident happened less than 24 hours before the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), and adds to the slew of recent anti-LGBTQ+ violence occurring across Ireland.
One of the victims, Robyn, shared some details of the event as well as a photo of her injuries on her Instagram story yesterday, saying: “Me and Kate just got gay bashed this is what being lesbians in Ireland is”. She added that her partner Kate was ok.
Later in the day, Robyn posted a further update, saying: “Thanks everyone for kind messages. We are both shaken up and I’m waiting on tests and x-ray and all I keep thinking is I am so glad we are both alive.
“Thank you all. It means so much to have love right now”.
Robyn’s partner Kate also posted to their Instagram story stating: “Me and Robyn just got gay bashed waiting for the bus like fully punched in the face
“Dublin is absolutely f*cked,” they added.
TW: Homophobic Violence, today International day against homophobia, Transphobia & biphobia We are learning of a brutal homophobic attack on 2 members of the queer community in Dublin Robyn and Kate. Please donate #IDAHOBIT2022 pic.twitter.com/4J5iCrzmx7
— Andrew. (@shanman97) May 17, 2022
A friend of the lesbian couple, Dónal Talbot, has set up a GoFundMe with the hopes of financially supporting the pair in the aftermath of the Dublin attack.
“The funds collected will be used to cover any medical bills that may occur, therapy sessions and to help with upcoming rent and expenses due to being unable to work for the foreseeable future,” Talbot wrote.
In an incredible display of queer solidarity, the GoFundMe surpassed its target of €2,000 in under two hours, receiving over 400 donations and counting. While it is still unknown just how much financial support Robyn and Kate will need, Dónal confirmed that any excess funds will be given to Irish LGBTQ+ charities.
On his Instagram story, he added: “It is absolutely devastating that members of our community are still being attacked and assaulted simply for being queer in Ireland.
“I am so enraged and upset that my LGBTQ+ friends still live in fear of their lives in Ireland PLEASE step in or stand up if you see someone being verbally or physically assaulted on the street, and support them in anyway that you can”.
This latest incident adds to the list of ongoing anti-LGBTQ+ violence recorded in the country. Just last month, a gay man was physically and verbally assaulted along Dame Street, suffering a fractured eye socket, fractured and dislocated ankle, and other minor injuries as a result. The tragic murders of two gay men in Sligo, along with another being violently assaulted, also occurred in April this year.
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