Nov 29, 2021

Elderly gay couple decide to leave their Toowoomba home after years of abuse

Elderly gay couple decide to leave their Toowoomba home after years of abuse
This image does not depict person/persons from within the body of the article.

Bruce Gardiner, 71, and his husband Derek, recently told The Chronicle that the majority of abuse stemmed from one Toowoomba resident who began routinely hurling homophobic abuse at the couple from the moment that he learned the men were a gay couple. 

According to Mr Gardiner, the vile abuse and rumour spreading eventually escalated to a physical assault in October 2019 when the source of the homophobic abuse allegedly assaulted him.

It took police two years to charge the man with serious assault, a timeframe that Mr Gardiner believes indicates a level of gay prejudice from local police.

The alleged attacker was eventually issued with a caution, and police claim that the length of the investigation was a result of having two very different accounts of what occurred with very little corroborating evidence. 

“There is not a scintilla of evidence to suggest that the police had a bias against the complainant as a result of sexuality,” Assistant Commissioner of Queensland Police Services, Mike Condon, told The Chronicle.

“While the matter has taken some time to be finalised, based on the evidence available to the police, an adult caution was appropriate in the circumstances.”

Mr Condon continued, “The complaint was made more complex on the basis of differing versions of what took place. I have a strong view that everyone is equal, to be treated the same and with respect.”

Sadly, Mr Gardiner has grown accustomed to dealing with homophobic prejudice throughout the entirety of his life. 

“I am 71 years of age. Growing up as a gay man, for a start it was illegal, you have to pretend you were straight all the time,” Mr Gardiner said.

“If people had a suspicion that you were not straight, you’d be bashed.”

Mr Gardiner claims that the southern Queensland city of Toowoomba is not a gay-friendly environment, which has prompted his decision to sell up and move.

“I am being vocal about this because I am doing it for the young people coming through who don’t have a voice but who will experience similar things – I hope that the next generation gives people a fair go in life.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. I am a straight Toowoomba man in my 50s, but I sympathise with Mr Gardiner and his partner, for I too have copped homophobic abuse from people who might have suspected that I might be gay, simply because I choose to be alone.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

It Was Only a Matter of Time: Scientists Found a Way to Reverse Signs of Aging

Aging is a crucial part of life. We all have to undergo this phase and we all know the signs such as wrinkles, graying of hair, getting diagnosed with diseases related to aging, etc. Scientists have been researching and studying the process of aging for years. The process takes place at the cellular level –... Read More

Let’s get real: Should clients self-manage their Home Care Package?

  The appeal of self-management in the Home Care Packages Program is understandable. Older people have been looking after themselves and others for a long time, and most want to remain in the driver’s seat.  Self-managed Home Care Package providers advertise that they offer more choice, more control, more hours and more freedom – all... Read More

Prince William caught on camera “flirting” with aged care resident

So sweet! The Duke of Cambridge has been captured on video flirting with 96-year-old aged care resident, Betty Magee. “This is what happens when I’m not around,” Duchess Catherine later quipped. Watch the special moment here. Read More
Advertisement