Two Irish Drag Artists Attacked While Shooting Video In Cork
Lucina Schynning and Krystal Queer say onlookers cheered while they were kicked and bloodied while filming on the street.
Featured Image via krystalqueer Instagram
Trigger warning: Instagram content includes violence
On Monday, Oct. 27, Irish drag performers Lucina Schynning and Krystal Queer took to Instagram to share that they had experienced “two unprovoked homophobic attacks” while filming a video to promote an upcoming event adjacent to the Cork Jazz Festival. The incident took place around 12:30 am on Sunday, Oct. 26, on Oliver Plunkett St. in Cork City, Ireland. By Wednesday, the attackers had been identified and reported to the national police and security service of Ireland, Garda Síochána.
According to the Irish Examiner, there’s been a troubling rise in anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. The outlet shared a statement issued by The Cork Gay Project, which supports gay, bisexual, trans, and queer men and their families:
“In recent years, we have witnessed a deeply troubling rise in anti-LGBTI+ and anti-trans rhetoric, fueled by misinformation and hate imported from divisive campaigns abroad.”
The Cork Gay Project extended full solidarity and support to the victims. “Such an attack is appalling and unacceptable in any society that values equality, dignity, and safety for all its citizens. The details of the attackers have been reported, and it is vital that justice is served swiftly and decisively.”
“In a widely-shared Instagram video, a passerby can be seen kicking the two performers from behind as they are being filmed by a friend. Krystal Queer, 25, was also struck across the face with a phone and left bloodied. In a TikTok video, Krystal explained that after the attack, “all of the other guys on the street started applauding” the attacker and “cheering him on.” Lucina tried chasing the perp, then heard Krystal scream in panic. Lucina turned around to see a separate second group of males kicking Krystal.
“No one intervened, but everyone on the street acknowledged it,” Krystal told the Irish Examiner.
Labor Senator Laura Harmon responded to the attacks. “These are people who bring joy, art, and color to our communities — they deserve to feel safe and supported, not targeted for who they are,” she said. “No one should feel unsafe walking down the street in Cork or anywhere in Ireland.”
