On Sunday, 13 August, two men were stabbed in a homophobic attack on Clapham High Street in London, outside the Two Brewers nightclub.
They were approached by a man who attacked them with a knife before running away, police confirmed in a statement.
Both were admitted to hospital and have since been discharged.
Yesterday (14 August), one of the victims, who identifies himself as @aniello110 on Instagram, shared a statement on the platform.
“I’ve not been feeling sad, nor angry, or confused,” he wrote. “‘I’ve just been left so many questions… to think what can lead to changing a person’s mind that much that they can feel it’s OK to attack anyone.”
He concluded with a heartfelt thanks to the community: “What today has strengthened in me, more than ever before, is that I could never, and have never, be prouder, happier, or more comforted, by the community I am lucky enough to have as my LGBTQ+ family!
“I would NEVER change it for the world. I am so lucky to have all my family and friends who have reached out just to check on me today.”
READ MORE: Two men stabbed in homophobic attack outside nightclub on Clapham High Street
Sadiq Khan called the incident “abhorrent” and “appalling”. He added that “there is no place for hate in London”.
Mr Khan said his team and the Met Police would invite the LGBTQ+ venues forum and its members to attend an urgent meeting later this week, according to the BBC.
The Met Police is treating the stabbing as a homophobic attack and continues to investigate the incident further.