TV stylist Sonya Lennon has told how she has been present when Brendan Courtney was targeted by homophobic attacks.
And Off The Rails star Sonia told Goss.ie it’s extremely tough to have been present when her friend was hit by the “ignorant” attacks.
“I have been present [when he’s been abused]. I think we’ve been in circumstances where I have been a couple of feet away from him and I’ve heard nasty comments,” she said.
Friends: Sonya wants to protect Brendan | VIPIRELAND.COM
“I suppose my initial response is to protect him from them and to just walk away because it’s not nice to hear either first hand or second hand.
“If that person is so ignorant that they can’t accept someone for their sexuality then for me it’s a walk away situation for Brendan that’s not so easy.”
Designers: Sonya and Brendan have a fashion line together | VIPIRELAND
The fashion designer also told how she feels it’s unfortunate that homophobia is still a topic of conversation in this day and age.
“I think it’s unfortunate that it’s still a conversation that we’re having. But there’s a lot about modern life that isn’t pretty. That’s one aspect of it and it’s not fair.
“Obviously myself and Brendan have spoken a lot about this, he doesn’t want to be whinging and whining – in his own words.
Nude: Sonya posed for Trevor Hart’s Bare | Trevor Hart
Speaking at the launch of Trevor Harts book Bare, Sonya also told that she believes Brendan has a responsibility to address the situation.
She told Goss.ie: “He has a responsibility to say this is happening and it’s not acceptable and he knows that as well.
“It absolutely has to be said because it’s not OK to say that to somebody in a public space.
“If you’re thinking it then no one has control over it but you know when you verbally abuse somebody or psychologically abuse somebody or physically abuse somebody then it’s not acceptable.”
