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Hull residents back gay couple after homophobic letter

Stephanie Trotter and Vikki Parkey were sent a letter calling their relationship "immoral and wrong".

Rainbow flags have been hung in a neighbourhood in support of a gay couple who received a letter calling their relationship "immoral and wrong".

The note, sent to Stephanie Trotter and Vikki Parkey, said they should "move to a more appropriate area" and questioned their right to have a child.

But since it arrived, their neighbours in Hull have backed them, displaying rainbow flags, bunting and posters.

One resident said: "I wish I could put more bunting up".

Rainbow flag
Rainbow flags and bunting have been hung from houses in the area
Flag draped outside window
Neighbours have expressed their support for the couple by draping flags from windows

The couple said the homophobic note had been posted through their letter box overnight on Thursday.

Vikki said: "It was a total shock. I was furious, mad that somebody had the audacity to post something in the night.

"My initial reaction was pure anger at the situation."

Stephanie said that to suggest they had no right to bring up their daughter had "angered" her.

"She's 17-months of age, why even bring her in to the equation?" she said.

"She just wants love and that's what we give her."

Since the letter arrived people living nearby have come out in support of the couple.

Bunting on window
Messages of support for the couple and rainbow bunting decorate windows

One woman said: "We live in 2019, people should be able to bring a child up same-sex and live in a street and be happy."

Another said: "We are absolutely disgusted. You could not wish for nicer neighbours."

On Saturday rugby league side Hull KR invited the couple to deliver the match ball on to the pitch, saying it was "shocked" by the abuse directed at them.

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Andy Train, chairman of the Hull and East Riding LGBT Forum, said: "I think it's great that the immediate community are rallying round this amazing family.

"Having dreadful and horrible thoughts is an issue for [the letter writer] to sort out, please do not foist them on people getting on with their lives."

A spokesperson for Humberside Police said: "We have spoken to the resident, offering her advice and support and are investigating the incident."