RuPaul's Drag Race UK season three contestant and fan-favorite Elektra Fence is opening up about reportedly having to fend for herself against a group of homophobic people who attacked her while she was riding the train.
On Tuesday, April 26, Fence shared a lengthy statement on social media recounting the traumatizing experience she had to face this week during a recent trip.
While traveling from Euston to Manchester on a train from Avanti West Coast Railway, Fence faced what she described as a "homophobic attack" from a group of nine people who shouted out slurs and attempted to physically harm her. "On Sunday I was the subject of a homophobic attack whilst on @AvantiWestCoast," she wrote in a tweet. "Look after each other out there, friends; sadly these things still happen, somehow. My history has made me a tough cookie, like so many of us; I won't be changing for anyone."
The star of Drag Race UK then issued the following statement detailing exactly what happened:
"On Sunday evening I was the subject of a homophobic attack. I was travelling from Euston to Manchester on Avanti West Coast Railway and went to get a cup of tea and passed a group of nine people (five male, four female). One of the men jumped out at me, making me scream and the group went on to call me various homophobic slurs as I passed. I ignored them and moved on as I was alone. On my way back to my seat one of the men grabbed me and I was pushed on top of him, at which point he pulled open my jacket. Other members of the group then began putting their hands on me. It was incredibly aggressive and frightening and I felt totally helpless. I thankfully know a self defence move which enabled me get out of the man's grip (thank you TikTok). The group then began to shout every homophobic slur under the sun at me. Pointing, laughing...generally vile behaviour.
I reported this to the manager, Lee, who made me feel safe and got me a cup of tea and some biscuits and looked after me for the rest of my journey. You made a real difference Lee, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.. I later learned that a staff member received racist abuse from these people. The police were called but did not turn up to investigate at Crewe Station where the group got off. Attacks are at the back of man Queer people's minds every day, including mine; whether it's holding my fiances hand leaving for work in drag/make up 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.
As a victim of both physical and verbal bullying at school, this attack was triggering and I admit to being both upset and angry about it still. I won't be changing a thing about myself. I very nearly changed my outfit immediately after in order to blend in. But no. Our community has fought too hard. Dimming my light is not an option; I'll never do it. I'll never change. Ever. These people should not be allowed to get away with abusing or attacking anyone; their behaviour has no place in modern society. I'll be okay, I'm a survivor, but awareness is key; this incident comes not even a month since my last verbal homophobic assault. Look after yourselves and each other."
Moments after Fence shared this statement, the official Twitter account for Avanti West Coast replied to her tweet and apologized for the queen's experience.
"We are really sorry to hear that this happened onboard one of our trains Elektra, no one should have to experience that," the train company said in its statement. "Really glad to hear our TM Lee was there to support you. If you are able to DM us with the journey details, we'll get this looked into further."
On Wednesday, April 27, Fence then shared a new tweet thanking her fans, friends, peers, and loved ones who reached out to her and sent some love her way. Due to how personal this experience was, Fence signed this new tweet as Jules, given that her out-of-drag name is Julian Riley.
"I just want to say a HUGE thank you to everybody that has reached out to me," she wrote. "Your love and support does not go unnoticed! My heart is so full. Honestly from the bottom of my heart thank you! XxX, Jules."
"We're really sorry to hear of this incident and are in touch with the customer," a spokesperson from Avanti West Coast Railway told Gay Times via a statement. "No one should have to experience homophobia and it will not be tolerated on our trains."
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