Gay soap actor opens up about vile homophobic abuse he faced – and how his co-star stood up for him
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Trailblazing Hollyoaks star Kieron Richardson, known for his role as Ste Hay, recently shared a harrowing experience of being publicly harassed by bullies who hurled homophobic abuse at him in the street. The incident took place while Richardson was with his long-time best friend Jorgie Porter, who played Theresa McQueen on the hit Channel 4 soap opera.
During an appearance on The Mirror’s Invite Only podcast, Richardson recounted the distressing encounter. He recalled how he and Porter were getting into a taxi when the bullies shouted homophobic slurs at them. Despite the initial shock, Richardson decided to confront the bullies as they waited at a traffic light. He leaned out of the window and demanded an explanation for their behavior, prompting the bully to initially deny any wrongdoing. However, as the lights changed and they drove off, the bully resumed shouting abuse.
Porter, visibly shaken by the incident, expressed her shock and outrage at the behavior of the bullies. She recounted how she wanted to chase after them and film their actions to expose their bigotry. Porter took to Instagram to share a video of the incident, condemning the bullies for their hateful behavior.
The incident served as a reminder of the ongoing prevalence of homophobia in society, despite advancements in LGBTQ+ rights. It also highlighted the importance of standing up against discrimination and supporting friends and loved ones in times of need.
Richardson’s decision to come out on daytime TV show This Morning in 2010 was a pivotal moment in his life. Despite initial fears, he described it as the best decision he ever made. The overwhelming support he received from fans and viewers reinforced his belief in the power of visibility and authenticity.
Shortly after coming out, Richardson received thousands of emails of support and gratitude from individuals who found inspiration in his story. He became a beacon of hope for many struggling with their own identity, encouraging them to embrace their true selves.
In 2015, Richardson married his partner Carl Hyland in a picturesque ceremony in the Peak District. The couple welcomed twins, Chase and Phoebe Ray, in 2017 via surrogate, expanding their family and bringing immense joy into their lives.
Despite the joys of parenthood, Richardson and Hyland faced challenges as same-sex parents. In the documentary Raised by Queers, Richardson revealed instances of prejudice and discrimination they encountered, including insensitive comments from healthcare professionals.
During an interview on This Morning following the birth of their twins, Richardson declined to answer a question about whose sperm was used in the conception. He emphasized the unfairness of such inquiries, highlighting the importance of respecting diverse family structures and challenging traditional notions of parenthood.
The resilience and courage displayed by Richardson in the face of adversity serve as a testament to his strength and determination. As a prominent LGBTQ+ figure in the entertainment industry, he continues to advocate for inclusivity and acceptance, inspiring others to embrace their authentic selves without fear or shame.
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