Cork gay advocacy group warns of 'troubling rise' in anti-LGBTI+ incidents

There has been a “troubling rise” in anti-LGBTI+ rhetoric in recent years, the Cork-based Gay Project has said, following an attack of two drag queens in Cork city during jazz weekend.

Performers Krystal Queer and Lucina Schynning were kicked on Oliver Plunkett St while recording a video, which they have since shared on social media. A separate man then hit Krystal, leaving her bleeding.

Lucina said: “We weren’t in anyone’s way, we weren’t agitating anybody. Unfortunately us existing and enjoying ourselves was an invitation for people to physically assault us.”

Krystal added: “The most sickening part for me was the men on the street who laughed at us and cheered. There was hundreds of people on the street — nobody intervened, nobody tried to help.”

A garda spokesperson told The Echo: “Gardaí responded to an incident of assault that occurred at approximately 12.30am on Sunday 26 October on Oliver Plunkett Street in Cork City”, adding that one of the victims received non-life threatening injuries, and that investigations are ongoing.

Konrad Im, manager of the Gay Project, told The Echo that the organisation condemns “in the strongest possible terms” the unprovoked violent hate crime perpetrated against two local drag performers.

“Such an attack is appalling and unacceptable in any society that values equality, dignity, and safety for all its citizens.”

Mr Im called on An Garda Síochána to investigate the incident with the seriousness it deserves, adding: “It is vital that justice is served swiftly and decisively.

“Hate crimes must never go unpunished. They are not only attacks on individuals, but assaults on our entire community and on the values of inclusion and respect that Ireland stands for.”

Mr Im continued: “In recent years, we have witnessed a deeply troubling rise in anti-LGBTI+ and anti-trans rhetoric, fuelled by misinformation and hate imported from divisive campaigns abroad. These narratives have no place here. Ireland’s progress towards equality was hard-won, and we cannot allow imported hatred to erode it.

“We must stand united against hate in all its forms — homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia; whether it manifests in the street, the workplace, the pub, or within our own homes. 

"Each of us has a role to play in challenging prejudice and misinformation wherever we encounter it. Silence enables hate; solidarity stops it.”

Cork Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice, former co-ordinator of the Gay Project, said: “What happened this weekend was awful. Nobody should be assaulted on the streets of Cork. We have to send out a strong signal that this kind of behaviour is utterly unacceptable and won’t be tolerated in Cork.”

He added that he hopes gardaí fully investigate the case and pursue the men responsible, saying there was also a need for new strategies that focus on reducing street violence, creating safer public spaces and protecting minority groups from attacks, including enhanced garda visibility.

Mr Rice added: 

“I also want to send solidarity to Krystal and Lucina. They are two fantastic performers who bring fun and joy to all their shows. It was terrible to see them attacked like this.

“Ultimately, we must create a new republic of equals where everyone, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disabilities, age, race, creed, class or background is free to live their lives to the fullest. Core to that is a life free from hate and harassment.”

Cork Labour senator Laura Harmon said: “I send solidarity and love to Krystal and Lucina. I stand fully with members of the LGBTQI community in Cork which I am proud to be part of. Any violence is unacceptable and reprehensible.

“Cork is a welcoming place and we are so proud of our vibrant LGBTQI community here. I hope justice will be served to the perpetrators in this case.”