A disturbing video showing the harassment of a gay man in a public bathroom has sparked widespread condemnation after going viral online. The incident, which occurred on New Year's Eve, involved influencer Zachary Willmore, who documents his life as a feminine gay man living with HIV.
Confrontation in the Bathroom
In the video, which amassed more than 13 million views on TikTok, Willmore is seen wearing glitter and makeup as he is confronted by an apparently intoxicated man. The aggressor begins hurling homophobic abuse, criticising Willmore's appearance and presence in the men's facilities. "I don't like a dude with f***in' pearls on his eyes," the man states, before continuing a tirade about Willmore's clothing and body piercings.
Willmore explained to his followers that he had initially chosen to use a cubicle to avoid conflict. "I decided to use the stall 'because I didn't want any problems'," he said in the clip. Despite this attempt at de-escalation, the man continued his verbal assault, shaking the stall door according to Willmore's account and repeatedly questioning why he did not use the women's bathroom instead.
"Where Am I Supposed to Go?"
In a moment of clear frustration captured on camera, Willmore articulated the impossible position many LGBTQ+ individuals face regarding public facilities. "They don't want transgender women - I'm not transgender by the way - they don't want transgender women to use the women's bathroom, they don't want a gay man to use the men's bathroom, so I've got to piss on the floor," he concluded.
When directly asked by his harasser why he didn't use the female toilets, Willmore firmly replied, "because I'm a f***ing boy." The man then questioned his style of dress, prompting Willmore to walk away. Even as he left, the aggressor could be heard shouting further invasive and offensive questions.
Aftermath and Apology
Following the incident, Willmore shared his feelings in a follow-up post. "It happens so much, it shouldn't affect me still, sometimes I'm just shocked [people] are actually homophobic," he wrote. He added, "It doesn't make sense to me, I'm just living my life. If more people got to know me, I think they'd like me."
The man in the video was later identified by TikTok 'accountability' influencer Danesh Noshirvan as Jaxon Terill. In messages shared by Noshirvan, Terill admitted his actions were "wrong and not OK" and claimed to have sent multiple apologies to Willmore. While not justifying his behaviour, Terill cited heavy drinking throughout the day as a factor, stating, "I am in no way justifying my actions last night, because they can't be justified." He did, however, refute the claim that he shook the stall door.
The viral episode has reignited crucial conversations about LGBTQ+ safety, public accommodation, and the prevalence of hate-fuelled harassment in the UK. It underscores the daily challenges faced by individuals whose gender expression does not conform to narrow societal expectations.
