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Drag Race star Elektra Fence was subject to a ‘homophobic attack’ while on a train

‘It was incredibly aggressive and frightening and I felt totally helpless’


Julian Riley, a.k.a Elektra Fence, was subject to a “homophobic attack” while travelling on a train from London to Manchester last Sunday.

The former Ru Paul’s Drag Race star revealed in a tweet how on his way to get a cup of tea, he passed a group of nine people who started harassing him.

“One of the men jumped out at me, making me scream,” Elektra said. “The group went on to call me various homophobic slurs as I passed.”

One of the men grabbed Elektra and was pushed on top of him. Other members of the group started putting their hands on Elektra. “It was incredibly aggressive and frightening and I felt totally helpless,” Elektra said.

Elektra managed to escape, using a self-defence move he learned from TikTok, before making his way to the train manager as the offending group continued to shout homophobic slurs.

Train manager Lee gave Elektra a cup of tea and some biscuits. “You made a real difference Lee, thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Elektra said.

Elektra later learned that a different staff member had received racist abuse from the same group. The police were allegedly called but they didn’t turn up, and the group got off the train at Crewe.

Reflecting on the incident, Elektra said: “Attacks are at the back of many Queer people’s minds every day, including mine; whether it’s holding my fiancé’s hand, leaving for work in drag or makeup, or simply buying a cup of tea on a train.

“I want you all to know that I am a strong, resilient person and have suffered worse than this in my life. Despite this, I should not have to deal with or process an incident such as this, in this day and age.”

A spokesperson for Avanti West Coast said: “We’re really sorry to hear of this incident and are in touch with the customer.

“No one should have to experience homophobia and it will not be tolerated on our trains.”

If you or someone you know has been affected by this story you can contact Switchboard, the LGBTQ+ helpline, on 0300 330 0630 or visit their website. You can also find help through The Mix.

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