'Extremely grateful he's still here', say family of homophobic assault victim

Pictures: Evan Somers @ebintosh/ Twitter

The family of homophobic assault victim Evan Somers say they are grateful he survived the attack.

The 23-year-old Dubliner suffered a fractured eye socket, two fractures to his ankle, a dislocation of the ankle and other injuries when he was assaulted on Dame Street in Dublin in the early hours of Sunday morning.

He posted photos of his injuries on Twitter and the post has been shared thousands of times.

His aunt Kya Somers told the Irish Examiner: “As his family, we know how gentle he is. He would never lay a hand on anyone so we are still trying to grasp the fact that this has happened to him but we are extremely grateful he’s still here with us.” 

He underwent surgery on Monday afternoon as a result of his injuries.

Evan had been on a night out with cousins on Saturday night into the early hours of Sunday morning.

Adam Long of the National LGBT Federation said the incident was particularly violent in nature and said that there is a feeling of unsafeness in Dublin city centre now for members of the LGBT community.

He said: “Hate crime has a wider ripple effect on a whole community.” 

He welcomed the Criminal Justice (Hate Crime) Bill 2021 which is currently going through the Oireachtas but he said it needs to be prioritised.

He added that if anything good is to come out of the attack on Evan Somers, it should be that the hate crime legislation be speeded up.

On Monday, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said he is shocked and appalled by the homophobic attack on Mr Somers.

The Tánaiste shared a post by the victim and tweeted: “Shocked and appalled that an assault of this natured occurred in our capital city. Will discuss with Helen McEntee re Garda presence on our street and new hate crime laws. 

"Sorry about what happened. Wishing you a swift recovery.” 

Shocked and appalled that an assault of this natured occurred in our capital city. Will discuss with Helen McEntee re Garda presence on our street and new hate crime laws. Sorry about what happened. Wishing you a swift recovery https://t.co/Mj4mJuyDsV

— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) April 11, 2022

Culture Club lead singer Boy George also tweeted his support for the victim and condemned of the attack.

"What did your freedom to be who you are stir in this vile creature," he said. 

"I'm sorry for what have been through and hope they catch him. There are satellites that see everything."

Mr Somers is member of the Emerald Warriors RFC, Ireland’s first LGBT+ inclusive rugby team. 

The team said they were "devastated and shocked" by the assault. 

In a statement, the committee of his club said: “We are devastated and shocked following the attack on our fellow team mate / Warrior over the weekend. 

This is Ireland 2022. As many of our stakeholders tell us, homophobic attacks and slurs are increasing.

The club said such attacks are not often reported and "it is time that hate crimes are looked at with harsh punishments to curve these horrific assaults on the LGBTQ+ community."

"We wish Evan a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the pitch in the future."

Irish Rugby too tweeted a message of support for Mr Somers. 

"We stand #shouldertoshoulder with Evan and with @ewrfc," the organisation wrote.

"This violence and homophobia has no place in our society.

We stand #shouldertoshoulder with Evan and with @ewrfc

This violence and homophobia has no place in our society.

We will always send the message that everyone is welcome in the rugby family. https://t.co/rSp91KoltM

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) April 11, 2022

"We will always send the message that everyone is welcome in the rugby family."

A garda spokesman said gardaí were alerted to the assault and said gardaí are investigating all circumstances, including any hate related motivation.

He said no arrests have been made.

”Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses or for anyone with any information in relation to this assault to contact Pearse Street on 01 6669000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station," the spokesman said. 

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