A few days after proposing to his boyfriend on the FC Cologne pitch, referee Pascal Kaiser became the target of a wave of homophobic threats on social networks, some even mentioning his private address. This harassment campaign tragically culminated last night in a violent homophobic assault at his home.
For SimiliQueer, Pascal Kaiser reflects on the facts, the consequences for him and his partner, and the lessons he draws from this experience.
Homophobic threats that foreshadowed the assault
In the days following his highly publicized marriage proposal, Pascal Kaiser received threatening and abusive messages on Instagram, some mentioning his private address, which shows the premeditated nature of the attack.
« Some referenced my private address, which had been shared without my consent. The tone of the messages grew increasingly hostile and alarming. »
Shortly before the assault, Pascal had received threatening messages that SimiliQueer was able to obtain, illustrating the attack’s premeditated character.
You were just there, at the little house on the hill in XXXXXXXXX We spotted you and we are tracking you. Wait until there are no more cops in the area.
« About 20 minutes later, I went into the garden to smoke, and there were three guys standing there… »
Pascal Kaiser, victim of a violent homophobic assault at his home
Shortly after these threats, Pascal Kaiser was assaulted on his property and struck in the face multiple times by three men. He immediately contacted the police after the assault, who accompanied him to the hospital, then escorted him and his partner to a secure location. Since then, preventive protective measures have been put in place.
« I contacted the police immediately. They arrived quickly with several patrols, accompanied me to the hospital, and then led my partner and me to a secure location. »
The police are investigating the assault and the threats that preceded it. No information on possible arrests has been released at this time. For safety reasons, Pascal limits himself to the confirmed facts.
A homophobic assault that leaves a deep impact on the couple, who remain determined nonetheless
This sequence of events has had a profound impact on Pascal and his partner. Fear, threats, and the assault affected his safety, mental health, and daily life, while the couple also endures strong emotional and media pressure.
« Enduring threats, seeing my address exposed, and then being physically assaulted was particularly trying. It affected my sense of safety, my mental health, and my daily life. (…) For Moritz and me, this situation represents enormous emotional pressure. We are facing not only fear and uncertainty, but also the pressure of public scrutiny. We try to support each other in an extremely difficult situation. »
LGBTQ+ visibility must be accompanied by protection
Despite what the homophobes might think, Pascal does not regret his public marriage proposal, which he describes as a gesture full of love and authenticity.
“I do not regret the intention behind the proposal. It was full of love and authenticity. At the same time, I could never have imagined the chain of events that followed or the level of hostility that emerged.”
For him, this event shows how essential LGBTQ+ visibility is to changing attitudes and fighting discrimination.
However, he also emphasizes the risks associated with this visibility. Pascal therefore calls for collective responsibility, from public institutions, social networks, and society at large, to ensure that LGBTQ+ visibility does not come at the expense of their safety and well-being.
« Visibility is important, but it is essential that it be accompanied by protection, care, and responsibility, in public debate as in online spaces. »
