Attack on Drag Performers Highlights Rising Anti-LGBT+ Sentiment in Ireland

A recent unprovoked attack on two drag performers in Cork City has raised alarm about the escalating anti-LGBT+ sentiment in Ireland. On the evening of March 10, 2024, drag queens Lucina Schynning and Krystal Queer were filming a promotional video on Oliver Plunkett Street when they were assaulted. The incident occurred as the performers faced the camera, with a passer-by kicking them from behind. This shocking act has prompted calls for urgent action from local officials and advocacy groups.

Investigations by An Garda Síochána are ongoing, with authorities looking into the details surrounding the attack. The Cork Gay Project, an organization dedicated to supporting gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals, condemned the violence in a strong statement. “Such an attack is appalling and unacceptable in any society that values equality, dignity, and safety for all its citizens,” the organization stated. They emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation and swift justice for the victims.

In their statement, the Cork Gay Project highlighted a troubling trend: “In recent years, we have witnessed a deeply troubling rise in anti-LGBT+ and anti-trans rhetoric, fuelled by misinformation and hate imported from divisive campaigns abroad.” They underscored the significance of standing united against all forms of hate, including homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia, urging the community to challenge prejudice wherever it appears.

A video of the incident has circulated widely on social media, capturing the moment when the performers were attacked. Witnesses reported that bystanders laughed and cheered as the assailant fled the scene. Krystal Queer later recounted, “No one intervened, but everyone on the street acknowledged it.” She expressed shock at the initial reactions, noting, “The most sickening part was that the initial reaction was met with positivity.”

In response to the attack, Labour Senator Laura Harmon has called for immediate measures from Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan to enhance safety for all individuals in Ireland. “This incident is a stark reminder that hate and violence are still very real in our society,” she remarked. Senator Harmon called for a clear plan of action to protect LGBT+ people and minorities from hate and intimidation. She stressed that “no one should feel unsafe walking down the street in Cork or anywhere in Ireland.”

The Cork Gay Project has urged the community to remain vigilant and proactive in combating hate. They assert that silence only serves to enable hate, while solidarity is essential for fostering an environment of respect and inclusion. The organization reiterated that attacks on individuals are assaults on the entire community and the values Ireland strives to uphold.

As the investigation unfolds, the response from local authorities and community leaders will be crucial in addressing the rising tide of anti-LGBT+ sentiment and ensuring the safety and dignity of all citizens in Ireland. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBT+ community and the need for collective action against discrimination and violence.