[G Jaffa Cake J Hug-a-Goth]

I'd heard about the Sophie Lancaster Foundation before, founded in the honour of a goth girl who was kicked to death by a gang of youngsters, just because of the way she looked.

Their work - which targets hate crime, especially but not exclusively against subcultures - got brought a lot closer to home last night, when I was verbally abused and physically threatened by a group of young lads on my way home. In the supposed idyll of Stratford, I actually ran and locked my door, heart pounding, wanting to cry because they'd taken my safe place, and made me feel unsafe... this because I dye my hair happy colours, and sing to myself as I walk.

I am alright, sort of, trying to see the silver linings here. Remembering about the foundation and telling you guys about it is one of them.

Currently raiding Backstreetmerch, all proceeds of S.O.P.H.I.E. (Stamp Out Prejudice, Hatred and Intolerance Everywhere) branded items direct to the Foundation.

This post has been edited by G Jaffa Cake J Hug-a-Goth: 26 July 2011 - 11:21 PM

[Joinee Mum White]

Biggest (((HUGS))) to you.

I hope you are feeling better now. You are loved and good and no amount of jealous rage from ignorant bigots can change that. Mum White xxx

[Rachel Rose]

Someone said I had sociopathic tendencies once because I sang when I walked. Happiness is frowned upon in certain places, apparently.

Your experience sounds horrid. You, on the other hand, sound quite marvelous.


Don't let the smallminded frighten you too much. I do understand though.

I truly love the plaid hat.


This seems like a great cause. Thanks.

[Joinee Snowberry]

The Foundation do great work, especially in schools

[Siobhán]

Giulia that sounds horrible - it happened a lot when I was younger and like a fool I had convinced myself it had stopped. Love that you are keeping a positive spin - I'll look into donating to the foundation next month and hope you feel better soon. I hope those selfish bigots don't ruin your safe place xx

[Joinee Varwell]

Giulia how awful. Sorry to hear that.

DO tell the police. Even if they don't catch anyone it helps add up picture and profiles of areas. And don't think yourself unimportant enough not to tell the police. It was a crime, after all.

[HRH Gold Joinee Sheli]

So sorry to hear that Gui Silly small minded fools. xx

[G Jaffa Cake J Hug-a-Goth]

Thanks for your words everybody, y'all give me the warm fuzzies. Heart still pounds a bit but I'm better, & bumping the obviously needed work of a great charity does help me make sense of it

[Katie B]

I'm new here and not sure of the etiquette but I hope you are feeling much better now and that those ignorant (I don't thing swearing is permitted) swines don't take away too much of your happiness. You win, if winning is what it's all about, in the karma stakes simply by being a better person.

[G Jaffa Cake J Hug-a-Goth]

Thanks Katie and not to worry, we're an easygoing enough bunch 'round these parts and you've just gone out of your way to be nice, so I think you'll fit right in!

I'm still more shaken than I'd like to be if I'm honest, mostly ok but I keep spacing out and I feel tears welling up if it comes up. But, I'm being the proactive kind of upset I like to think. And I have this on a singing loop,* which really helps.

* Rachel Rose: happy sociopaths of the world, unite...!

[joinee wolfman]

i used to get it in birmingham all the time. everyone knew me when i lived in more rural areas and i rarely had a problem - but my long(ish) hair and alternative vibe really wound chavvy lads up in the big city. the homophobic abuse was particularly snide. i'd have been a little more bothered if i was actually gay.

sadly, i knew all about the sophie lancaster case. alternative culture can be oppressive too - but when was the last time you saw one lad in a tracksuit being assaulted by four my chemical romance fans?

This post has been edited by joinee wolfman: 27 July 2011 - 09:56 PM