UK: gays targeted in riots

LGBTI-friendly businesses and districts have not escaped the riots across England unharmed. Rioting began in London’s Tottenham district, but violence and looting spread to other cities including Birmingham, Liverpool and Croydon.

Rioters targeted London’s historic Gay’s the Word bookshop, opened in 1979, smashing windows and pelting the store with eggs. Staff reported damage of around 1300 pounds. Also in London, gay-friendly film distributors Pecadillo Pictures had their warehouse torched, with all stock destroyed in the blaze.

Staff at Missing Bar in Birmingham’s gay village – the scene of much looting in that city – reported that a gay man was assaulted by a gang of rioters who allegedly pulled him to the ground and stomped on his head.

“Fortunately, a car pulled up and they got the guy into the car and drove off to safety,” the witness said.

Shocking images have also emerged of rioters humiliating people by stripping them naked.

Most gay businesses and venues in affected areas are keeping their doors open, albeit with earlier closing times to protect the safety of their LGBTI patrons.

Reports suggest that with the Police’s main efforts focused on stopping the rioting, investigations into homophobic attacks would have to wait.