A man who was among two people stabbed in a homophobic attack at an LGBTQ+ nightclub in south London has spoken out about his ordeal.
The two men were standing outside popular gay bar the Two Brewers in Clapham High Street, around 10.15pm on Sunday, when they were approached by a man with a knife who attacked them before running away.
The victims, aged in their 20s and 30s, were taken to hospital for treatment and have since been discharged.
In a post on Instagram, one of the men, named only as Neil, wrote on Monday: “I could never be prouder or more gay than I am today”.
“I’ve not been left feeling sad, nor angry, or confused,” he wrote. “I’ve just been left so many questions.”
He said it has led him to ponder what can make someone “feel it’s OK [to] attack anyone...and how we change that”.
“What today has strengthened in me more than ever before is that I could never, and have never be (sic) prouder, happier, or more comforted by the community I am lucky enough to have as my LGBTQ+ family,” he added.
“I would NEVER change it for the world...I am so lucky to have all my family and friends who have reached out just to check on me today.”
His post was met with an outpouring of support.
”I am so proud of you for writing this statement,” said one friend. “Our community will not be intimidated into hiding. Visibility is essential and I know you will be living with pride! You legend and I’m so glad you are ok!”
Another wrote: “Beautifully expressed. I’m so sorry that this atrocious attack was inflicted upon you”.
“No words to describe how brave you are,” wrote another Instagram user. “I’m so sorry this happened”.
Police are investigating the attack - which is being treated as homophobic in nature - but no arrests have yet been made.
“It’s also a tragic reminder of why we need Pride,” he wrote in a post on Monday.
“My thoughts are with the victims and with the LGBTQ+ community who are undoubtedly feeling frightened and upset.
“For those who stoke up hate and vilify LGBTQ+ people for your own agenda, you’re part of the problem too. Your culture war has real-life consequences.”
He added: “Let me be clear: I will never quieten down my allyship. I’ll never stop fighting for the safety, rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community. I am committed to stamping out hate crime in our city.”
Witnesses praised security staff at the Two Brewers, who reportedly helped keep other patrons safe from the attack.
One described leaving the premises to find “police everywhere”. “It was horrific,” they said.
“We were having the best time then something like this happened. I literally cried all the way home thinking that could have been any of our lot. Also those poor guys. It’s f****ing 2023 I’m still shaken by it today.”
Drag Race UK star Baga Chipz, who works at the Two Brewers, said she’s “shocked and angered”.
Baga Chipz told 5 News: “I’ve worked at the Two Brewers for 15 years, I perform there regularly, I performed there last week. I was supposed to be there when it happened, I do their Sundays all the time.
“I’m angry, but I’m also shocked, because these are our safe spaces, this is where LGBTQ+ people go to have fun, have a drink, let their hair down and you can’t even be safe.”
Comedian Julian Clary posted on Twitter, now known as X: “Just awful. We cannot and will not go back to living in fear.”
Met Detective Inspector Gary Castle said on Monday: “We are acutely aware of the shock this attack will cause members of the LGBT+ community and want to reassure people that an urgent investigation is ongoing to locate the person responsible.
“We recently announced the reinstatement of LGBT+ community liaison officers for each of our 12 BCUs in London to support and advice on investigations where homophobia is a motive, and to ensure the community has a dedicated point of contact to address any concerns they may have.”
Drag performer Mary Mac, who was at the venue on Sunday, said: “It’s shocking and disgusting that in 2023 this is becoming frighteningly more frequent.
“The team at The Two Brewers were incredible in dealing with this and keeping us inside the venue safe, glad the victims have been discharged and hope they are with loved ones now to help.”
