Journalist ‘assaulted for being gay’ after Sydney Mardi Gras: ‘We were ambushed’
"On Saturday night, one of my biggest fears became a reality," says Mark Reddie.
Words: Jamie Tabberer; picture: Twitter/Instagram/@MarkReddie/ReddieNews
An Australian journalist has shared his story after being targeted in an anti-gay assault after Sydney Mardi Gras last weekend.
Mark Reddie first addressed the incident, which took place between 3am and 4am on Sunday on Riley Street in Surry Hillson, on social media.
He then wrote about it in an essay for ABC yesterday, saying ‘on Saturday night, one of my biggest fears became a reality […] I was assaulted for being gay.”
The crime reporter says he and friends were egged after the LGBTQ celebration – one of several such incidents in the city over the weekend that have since come to light.
“The male occupants laughing as they sped off”
“Walking home with a group of gay guys & a car drives by & the men inside throw cartons of eggs at us,” Mark originally said on Twitter at the weekend. “The male occupants laughing as they sped off. Wow.
“If you think some eggs are going to rattle us, think again. You did not succeed. I truly hope you find happiness. That is all.”
Walking home with a group of gay guys & a car drives by & the men inside throw cartons of eggs at us. The male occupants laughing as they sped off. Wow. If you think some eggs are going to rattle us, think again. You did not succeed. I truly hope you find happiness. That is all.
— Mark Reddie (@ReddieNews) March 6, 2021
Then, in his essay, Mark said: “I posted about what happened on social media, and it didn’t take long for other people to share similar incidents involving a ‘red car’ in the area.
“One gay couple said they were egged while holding hands on Commonwealth Street, another man said a bottle was thrown at him before he was egged nearby.”
Elsewhere in the essay, Mark explained that he had reported his attackers to police. “When I did, I was treated with respect and empathy,” he said.
“Investigators are hoping CCTV will be able to help catch my attackers and are appealing for anyone else who was targeted to come forward.
“The police reaction to my experience shows how much our community has achieved in the past 43 years.”
Attitude has contacted Mark for further comment.