A man who claims he was assaulted in an attack motivated by his sexual orientation says Ireland has "a long way to go in terms of equality".
The man, whose name is Evan, posted a now viral message on Twitter detailing the horrific incident which occurred over the weekend.
Sharing images of the injuries he sustained on Saturday night in Dublin city, he said: "Last night a stranger called me a f****t before beating the s**t out of me.
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"He left me with a fractured eye socket, 2 fractures in my ankle, a dislocation in my ankle & some other minor injuries.
"We’ve come a long way but still have such a long way to go in terms of equality."
He said the attack happened on Dame Street while he was on a night out at around 3.30am.
In the pictures, Evan can be seen hooked up to oxygen in the hospital, with the shocking injuries he sustained to his eye and ankle also featured.
Thousands of people have extended their support to the young Irishman, including Tanaiste Leo Varadkar.
Taking to Twitter on Monday morning, Mr Varadkar wrote: "Shocked and appalled that an assault of this nature occurred in our capital city. Will discuss with Helen McEntee re Garda presence on our street and new hate crime laws. Sorry about what happened. Wishing you a swift recovery."
Evan said he appreciated the public's support and said his "faith in humanity is just a little bit restored" after the widespread condemnation of the incident.
In a follow up message, he said: "Really feeling the love right now, thanks everyone.
"Genuinely didn’t share this for attention, I felt like it needed to be seen instead of hidden away because this is the reality of what so many LGBTQ+ people go through regularly & if it makes you uncomfortable, maybe it should."
Gardai say they are investigating the incident and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
A garda spokesperson said: "Gardaí are investigating all the circumstances of an assault, including any hate related motivation, on a man in his 20s that occurred on Dame Street at approximately 3:45am on Sunday, 10th April, 2022.
"The injured party was taken to St James’ Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
"No arrests have been made at this time.
"Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses or for anyone with any information in relation to this assault to contact Pearse Street on 01 6669000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station."
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