Thread by @mccusker_drew

On Burns Night, my boyfriend and I had a really shit #homophobic incident in #Glasgow's southside. We were holding hands, and a guy walked passed us and called us a "pair of bent bastards". I challenged him, he repeated the phrase, I called 999.

For the next 26 mins, I stayed on th phone w/@policescotland, my boyfriend filmed and th man continued to call us "bent bastards" "bent cunts" "fucking poofs" "pair of poofs", "it's not fucking right two men sleeping together" (limited but effective lexicon: he did not like gays)

He hated me. He told me that. He snarled at me, told me that I was against the law, that I was fucking disgusting, for the best part of 30mins. This man saw me as one thing he despised; not as a brother, or a son, or grandson, or a friend, or whatever.

When he got on buses, I jumped on, asking drivers not to let him travel as the Police were en route. The drivers threw the man off, closed their doors, and offered some security and to take us away from him. I got upset in that short moment of relief.

I'm turning 30 in April, yet I was in tears on a bus, with people of all ages looking at me at my most vulnerable. I found it hard to speak.

But we are two white middle-class cis gym-fit and strong men both in vocational professions, walking in public together; we were in the strongest position of privilege to stand up to him, so we couldn't leave.

He walked passed #QueensPark and we followed, all the while he told people passing by what he thought of us. It was a hugely upsetting and humiliating experience.

At #Shawlands cross, I was alone with the man, separated from my boyfriend by traffic. He came up to me, about a foot from my face. I think he challenged me to a fight. At that point, four police officers arrived, the man called me a "bent bastard" once more, and was arrested.

My bf and I gave separate statements to the Police. Then went for a drink. I didn't stop crying for 30 mins after the arrest.

I don't know if it was arrogance or hubris that made me think I wouldn't be the victim of such an incident, or that it would upset me as much as it has.

A positive outcome is that 15 people and businesses were really kind to and supportive of us during all this. 15 allies to 1 hateful man: the odds were/are in our favour. #PeopleMakeGlasgow safer and wonderful.

Thanks to Glasgow's public who checked we were okay, particularly @MarchtownGla @FirstinGlasgow @ButterflyAndPig @Buses_McGills & @policescotland who really supported us, and @philliesofshaw giving us a free drink each to destress. Needed it. Loved it.

I'm still hurt by the demeaning language he hurled at us. He looked at, talked to and treated me like I was shit on a shoe. It felt awful. Today I feel confused about how to feel.

Hopefully people will read this and know that we still have work to do, that homophobia is still there, and that we need to do more to support our local communities and minorities. And that anyone can be subjected to hate incidents and crimes.

A strange aspect is that his case will appear in front of a sheriff in my local Sheriff Court where I argue others' cases in front of peers. Soon my own narrative of a hate incident will be heard there. A lawyer as a witness and victim in his own court. It's uncomfortable.

Homophobic #hate crimes and incidents are on the rise in Scotland. It's important that we remain vigilant. Had a young LGBT+ person been abused while walking alone instead of two grown men, who knows how they would feel. I wouldn't wish any young person to experience this.

If you do need to give evidence at @SCTScourtstribs, there is specific guidance that judges and sheriffs go through in talking sensitively to LGBT+ people about hate crimes/incidents and LGBT+ issues. It feels intimidating, but you will be supported through this process.

So, #young #LGBT+ people, remember: you are wonderful. Glasgow and #Scotland are home to you, and you are entitled to feel safe and welcomed unconditionally. Feel empowered to call 999 to report hate crimes and incidents because your dignity matters. You matter.

#Allies of all ethnicities, ages, abilities and backgrounds, and LGBT+ folk who are allies to other minorities, we must actively support each other, report hate incident/crimes when you see them, so we don't fight hate alone

I'll feel better by the end of this week, I'm sure. Let's make sure we are all feeling safe, welcomed and loved. And visit the businesses linked who proved they support equality, not just for one month a year, but when we needed them most.

You can report hate crime via a third party reporting centre – i.e. a housing association or victim support office. Trained staff help you submit a report or they can do it on your behalf. You can also contact @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 to report the #crime anonymously.

As a follow-up, the man pled guilty to a hate crime at Glasgow Sheriff Court. He's on bail on a Good Behaviour Order and will be sentenced in September.
I'm glad he pled guilty, and hope he never harasses anyone again.

#StayHome, save lives, be kind.