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Man Attacked for Being Gay Goes Viral After Posting Grinning Selfie
"Trust it to be someone insecure with his own sexuality trying to take it out on someone secure in himself. Wish u well."
A young gay man had an empowering response to a vicious homophobic attack.
According to Barrhead News, 21-year-old Blair Wilson was walking home in Neilston, a small village in Scotland, when a man on the street called him a "faggot." Blair bravely confronted the man over the slur and was promptly physically attacked.
Seconds after the incident, Wilson took a selfie of his bloody face and posted it to Facebook.
"To the wee cunt that called me a faggot across the main street then tried to attack me when I called him 'hen' we aw know who u are and u will get what’s coming to u." Wilson went on, "Trust it to be someone insecure with his own sexuality trying to take it out on someone secure in himself. Wish u well."
The post has been shared over 700 times and has nearly 3,000 likes.
Wilson told Barrhead News he was shaken over the attack, but he didn't want to feel ashamed or scared. He reclaimed his power but sharing his story on social media.
"I knew, as soon as it happened, that I could either keep quiet and feel embarrassed about it or I could shame him over Facebook. As soon as I posted it, even though my nose was still bleeding, I didn’t care."
"I did use some choice words in the post, but the message I wanted to get across is you need to stick up for yourself. Maybe don’t go getting yourself hurt, but show them you have friends, you are loved."
Wilson has since received an outpouring of love from friends, family, and complete strangers. "It’s amazing. I’ve heard from so many people I haven’t spoken to in ages and people I don’t even know telling me I’m an inspiration and stuff. It’s made me feel so good about myself."
And Wilson certainly isn't letting the attack scare him. "I think some people think because you are a different sexuality from them you have no friends and everyone is in the same mindset of them, when the reality is they’re the minority.
“You can prove to them you’re much more loved than they will ever be if they live a life of hate.”
Scotland Police have received a report and are investigating the incident.
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
