A trans woman says becoming a drag artist saved her life after she was subjected to a horrendous transphobic attack at a tram stop.
Mercedes, 21, was attacked at a tram stop in Manchester city centre three years ago by three strangers. Just standing waiting for the tram, the two men and one woman came up to her, pulled her wig off, spat in her face and hit her for no apparent reason. They also called her a 'freak'.
She says the incident meant she developed crippling anxiety and depression and led her to attempt to take her own life on two occasions. She says she now has a new confidence and perspective on things after turning to the world of drag, but it’s not been an easy journey.
