Crowds gather at Sainsbury's for 'big gay kiss-in'

A number of people came together yesterday (July 13) to stage a kiss-in at a Sainbury’s store in Hackney where earlier this week Thomas Rees and his boyfriend Josh were told off for “inappropriate behaviour” after they held hands in the store.

According to The Metro, an estimated number of 200 people attended the event to pledge their support to the gay couple by partying, holding hands and eventually kissing.

Before joining in with the affection, the couple thanked their supporters.

Joshua Bradwell and Thomas Rees at the Saino’s kiss-in on Hackney Road. Easily the friendliest protest I’ve been to pic.twitter.com/us1gWXZNDv

— Ryan Hooper (@RyanJHooper) August 13, 2016

Speaking to the Press Association, Joshua said:

“The number that turned out was absolutely insane, we were not expecting this at all.”

Thomas added, “We were right to be holding hands because when someone questions your behaviour in such a direct manner you can’t help but analyse how you are perceived by society.”

I’m at the kiss-in at Sainsbury’s in Hoxton pic.twitter.com/u3kPg7zrBD

— Ryan Hooper (@RyanJHooper) August 13, 2016

“When your community comes behind [you] and says, ‘You were right and you are right,’ all that does is amplify your feelings. We were right to complain and do what we’ve done and fight those people who said we were wrong.”

A member of the public shouted ‘Get off my street’ at the group, but protestors carried on and danced to Diana Ross and Donna Summer.

‘Big Gay Kiss In’ held in #Sainsburys Hackney rd against #homophobia by #LGBT supporters of Thomas & Joshua. #Gay pic.twitter.com/7lj3xeH70X

— Guy Smallman (@GuySmallman) August 13, 2016

Thomas said, “Both of us have received messages from people around the world who don’t have courage to hold hands, let alone stand up against something like this. You have to do so.”

Crowds gather at Sainsbury’s for ‘big gay kiss-in’

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