Gay choir to take over Manchester trams following brutal homophobic attack

PinkNews logo with white background and rainbow corners

A gay and lesbian choir has announced that it will take over Manchester’s Metrolink with performances on the trains following a homophobic attack in the city.

25-year-old Jean Claude Manseau and 19-year-old Jake Heaton were travelling on a tram in the city just before 1 AM on Saturday, singing a song from the musical Wicked, when another man began to hurl homophobic abuse at them.

The pair got off the tram at Market Street to head towards Canal Street – but were set upon in a brutal attack near Piccadilly Gardens by the man and a mob of around 15 other men.

The Manchester Lesbian and Gay Chorus said it will hold the mass singalong on public transport, in a show of solidarity for the victims.

The Chorus is to perform along short routes between St Peter’s Square and Piccadilly station from 8pm on Monday 17 November, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Song sheets will be handed out by the choir, allowing passengers to join in.

Later in the evening, the chorus will attend the area the attack took place.

Members described the attack as “horrifying”, and said they wanted to show the victims that they can be safe in the city, and that they have others standing with them.

Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident.

They are searching for a white man in his early 20s with very short hair, and a group of black or mixed race men.