Thomas Banks, Melbourne-based gay writer and actor living with cerebral palsy was beaten and robbed in a vicious attack in Footscray on Tuesday. Warning: This story has details and visuals of a brutal attack and might be distressing to some readers.
For 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For Australia-wide LGBTQI peer support call QLife on 1800 184 527 or webchat. Banks told Star Observer that he had stepped out on Tuesday night to meet a guy he connected on Grindr. “It was a lovely night so I thought it was safe to walk through the streets of Footscray and Seddon to get home,” said Banks.