A shocking video has emerged online of a man launching into an allegedly homophobic rant against a fellow passenger.
The footage, uploaded to Facebook, shows the moment Ryan Mahon heroically stepped in to stand up for the drag queen who was being subjected to the verbal abuse.
Sadly, after he took a stand against the ranting passenger, Ryan was himself subjected to abuse and threatened with violence for more than three minutes.
Ryan recorded the unpleasant incident on his mobile phone and uploaded the video to his Facebook page, where it has already racked up more than 75,000 views.
Writing in an accompanying Facebook status, Ryan explained his actions, saying he thought “discrimination, bigotry and general nastiness is sick and wrong”, while pointing out the sad state of affairs that he was the only person brave enough to speak out against the abuse.
In full, Ryan said:
Had an amazing night celebrating New Years with great people!!
Unfortunately, on the way home I witnessed an absolute idiot shouting abuse at a drag queen on the tube. I then made the heinous crime of sticking up for her and this video shows what happened.
Luckily, having an amazingly open family, incredible friends and being born and raised in such a multi-cultural city as London this is the first time in the 5 years since I came out that I’ve had to deal face-to-face with such homophobic behaviour. However, it’s sickening to think that this kind of abuse still happens in today’s society when there is no place nor any need for it.
The guy in the video (and his friends who like to pipe up with random bullshit remarks) seem to think that being gay is sick and wrong. I think that discrimination, bigotry and general nastiness is sick and wrong.
He seems to think that gay people have a negative influence on his child. I think having a father who thinks it’s acceptable to publicly shame others is far more of a negative influence.
The most disappointing thing of all, however, was that on an entire tube full of witnesses to what was happening I was the only one who spoke out. I understand it was 5am on New Years and most people just wanted their bed or a toilet to be sick in but all I know is that if anyone was on the receiving end of such disgusting behaviour they would want somebody to stand up for them.
I’ve been raised to accept people for who they are. Everyone has their own struggles and issues to deal with; don’t make their lives harder by being a wanker.
If you have a problem with gay people people don’t marry someone of the same gender, don’t watch gay porn (that’s to all you straight guys that love lesbians) and whatever you do stay out of Soho…and the Vauxhall/Stockwell area…maybe parts of Clapham too…Hampstead Heath is best avoided. Basically just do one!!
Don’t be a d***head!!
Like/share – let’s all begin the New Year with a daisy chain of love and stank!!
Happy 2016!!! Love to you all!! Xxx
We are investigating after being made aware of this video https://t.co/6AlfHARTUo. Read our statement here https://t.co/ziHiMw4Qp2
— BTP (@BTP) January 2, 2016
Don’t be a dickhead – sage advice that we wish more people would follow!
After the footage of the incident went viral, numerous people on social media called for the man ranting at the passenger to be arrested, and British Transport Police have since confirmed they are investigating the incident.
Anyone who recognises the man involved can contact BTP on 0800 405040, or text 61016, quoting reference 146 of 2/1/2016.
