Some members of Montreal's gay and lesbian community turned out Monday evening to support a couple that was the victim of a brutal attack 10 days ago in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve.
Hundreds took part in a public kiss-in to show the men, who were victims of homophobia, that they are not alone.
A week ago the couple, who only wanted to be referred to by their first names Simon and Sebastien, was physically attacked on their way to a bar in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. A group also yelled homophobic slurs at the pair.
On Monday, members of the LGBT community decided to fight back by holding a public kiss-in. Hundreds turned up in support.
“That's very lovely, it's heartwarming to see this,” said Simon.
The event was organized by the LGBT Quebec Council and the Gai Ecoute support group to denounce homophobia.
“Often people think that we are a progressive society, often people think there's no more homophobia, but that's not the case. It's important to talk about it, it's important to reaffirm the right of everyone to show affection in public without being afraid of being a target of homophobic slurs or violence,” said Maryse Bezaire of Gai Ecoute.
Gai Ecoute claims it has received more than 1000 reports of homophobic acts in the past 18 months in Montreal.
