One of the co-organisers of the recent High Wycombe Pride event has described a homophobic attack to an Aylesbury couple as ‘disgusting’ and has advocated for safe spaces to be introduced in Bucks.

Toni Brodelle, who is town’s the Liberal Democrat candidate for the next general election, told the Free Press that the assault on Michael Smith and his boyfriend were ‘horrific’.

Smith, who has worked and lived in Aylesbury since 2008 as a primary school teacher, was standing at a Brixton bus stop with his partner when they were both approached by an unknown man.

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The stranger then began to punch the couple in the head.

The incident happened at around 10.30pm on August 19.

Brodelle said: “Firstly, I’m shocked to hear and see this as it’s so close to home, and I hope he makes a full recovery.

“This attack shows once more why education is so important as it’s crazy in this day and age people are still being subjected to attacks just for being themselves."

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“This just highlights that safe spaces and awareness are still very much needed for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community.

"These attacks are on the rise, and I would call on politicians  - particularly the government - and anyone with a platform to be aware that their words can have very real consequences in weaponising marginalised communities and leading to these kinds of attacks.

"People - no matter who and how they love or identify - should never become pawns in political games, such as is currently happening with the trans community, for example.  

"These are people's lives, and politicians need to remember that.

“As long as people are happy, healthy, safe and not hurting themselves or others, it is no business of others who and how people live and love.

"People really need to understand that and understand that hate is a far greater problem in this world than love.”

The attack, albeit happened in the capital, took place on the same weekend that High Wycombe hosted its very own Pride march.

 

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Thousands gathered across the town to celebrate, and the Lib Dem parliamentary candidate believes the three-day occasion was a ‘great success’.

She added: “We had a fantastic turnout.

“One of the things we wanted to do was to make sure we were in the main streets being seen, and it worked really well.

“Also, all the businesses that got involved to help did fantastically well as they spread the message.”