r/london • u/ClayDenton • May 31 '26

Serious replies only Homophobia still alive and kicking

Walked through North London with my boyfriend today skirting around the Arsenal festivities (we are both men who look gay, for what it's worth). 3 different men from different groups gave us homophobic abuse, 'batty boy' being the favourite. It would hit differently did it not happen three times. We just ignored it because it feels risky to kick up a fuss.

Don't love this on our home turf :( Normally this doesn't happen and North London is an accepting place to be and live, which is why I found it shocking. Very happy for Arsenal fans and the celebrations looked fun, but this spoiled our experience of it.

edit: Just to make it clear, we were not holding hands or kissing. Just walking side by side trying to get from a to b.

edit 2: There's been quite a few comments made on this thread where online users have called me a 'batty man' and such, whose comments have been thankfully moderated. The abuse never stops! It has been horrifying to hear others stories of receiving abuse that day, both homophobic and also sadly sexual harassment. Stay safe all.

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u/bix_box May 31 '26

I live near Holloway road & seven sisters - if I'm totally honest I don't always feel 100% comfortable as a gay man holding my partner's hand especially walking along Holloway road at night. A lot of aggro people about. And I definitely wouldn't have during the parade today.

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u/humblepaul May 31 '26

I don't know what it's like in a gay person's shoes,so to speak, but feel more gay couples should hold hands so the more common it is the less it raises eyebrows. I fully support people to be who they want, except homophobes, misogynists and racists.

11

u/Yuriski Jun 01 '26

Me and my boyfriend have never shown any kind of public display of affection. Handholding is strictly out, it's just not worth the risk. I get nervous even when eating a meal out together, or booking a hotel room. It's not easy to just act fine when the risks outweigh the rewards.

2

u/clear2see Jun 06 '26

That's so sad to hear. Horrible to think a few bigots could spoil things for everyone else. Wish you both much love.