Brussels, often celebrated as an LGBTQ+ friendly city, has been shaken by a violent homophobic attack on public transport. As reported by BRUZZ, the incident took place on bus 66 in Schaarbeek, where Lucas Ablotia, a Georgian journalist in exile, and his transgender friend were targeted simply for existing.
Brussels, often celebrated as an LGBTQ+ friendly city, has been shaken by a violent homophobic attack on public transport. As reported by BRUZZ, the incident took place on bus 66 in Schaarbeek, where Lucas Ablotia, a Georgian journalist in exile, and his transgender friend were targeted simply for existing.
The attack began when a group of passengers asked them if they were gay. After confirming, Lucas’s friend was hit on the head, and when Lucas attempted to film the aggression, he too was punched and struck with an e-cigarette. The violence escalated further when a knife was spotted in the hands of one of the attackers. Fortunately, quick-thinking passengers intervened, allowing Lucas and his friend to take refuge near the bus driver, who immediately called the police. However, the attackers fled before authorities arrived.
Though the physical injuries were minor, the psychological scars remain. Lucas, who has already faced homophobic violence in Georgia, now feels unsafe even in Brussels. “I don’t want to live in fear anymore,” he told BRUZZ.
This incident is a stark reminder that hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community are still a reality, even in a city that prides itself on inclusion. Activists and community leaders are now demanding stronger safety measures to ensure that queer individuals can move freely without fear of violenc
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