Watch | Man hits back at vile homophobic verbal attack

A commuter present on the London tube after New Year’s Eve celebrations has spoken out against a torrent of homophobic abuse directed to a drag queen.

WARNING: Video below contains very strong language

London-based Ryan Mahon was the only person to confront a man hurling verbal abuse at a drag queen on the Piccadilly Line at 5am on New Year’s Day, despite a packed out tube carriage, reports LBC.

Published to Facebook, Mahon said it was the first time since coming out five years ago he had ever needed 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,” he said.

“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.”

Mahon adds “the most disappointing thing of all” was “that on an entire tube full of witnesses to what was happening”, he “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, 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 dickhead!!”

Speaking to Buzzfeed, Mahon said he exited the tube at Earl’s Court with the drag queen and spent around ten minutes with her to make sure she was okay.

Since the video has been published, LBC added Labour shadow justice minister Karl Turner has called for a police investigation.

“Met Police UK should be investigating. At the very least public order offence. Aggravated by homophobic ranting is possible prison!?” he Tweeted.

“We need zero tolerance on religious, sexually or racially motivated attacks wether verbal or physical.”

@LBC so @metpoliceuk should be investigating. At the very least public order offence. Aggravated by homophobic ranting is possible prison!?

— Karl Turner MP (@KarlTurnerMP) January 2, 2016

Buzzfeed reports

that British Transport police were aware of the video and had released a statement.

“Officers are viewing the footage and making enquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident and when and where it took place,” a spokesperson said.

“This is completely unacceptable behaviour and we are asking anyone who recognises the man involved to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference 146 of 2/1/2016.”

You can watch the video below:

(VERY STRONG LANGUAGE WARNING)