A local Perth band have released their latest single, recounting a recent terrifying homophobic attack on their lead singer, with the hope it will encourage those within the LGBQTI community who have endured similar shocking experiences.

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A five-piece indie-pop collective, Hannah Mae and the Hoodwinks have been spinning original tunes since 2014. Lead by songstress Hannah Mae, their music fuses folk roots with jazz undertones to bring you a retro chic pop band with unapologetic references to living as a romantic gay individual.

This Love was written by the outfit’s Hannah Sorenson in response to the harrowing physical and verbal assault on both herself and her partner nearly 12 months ago outside a popular restaurant, and is now able to share the ballad publicly.

Sorenson said she was having dinner with her partner Emma when, just like any couple in love, she leaned over and gave her a kiss.

“What happened next left us profoundly distressed and shaken,” said Sorenson.

“A man sitting next to us saw us kiss and suddenly burst out with a torrent of verbal abuse. He threatened us with sexual assault and death threats, proudly professing his Neo-Nazism, before pelting us with his burger. It was incredibly frightening.

“Just as disturbing, was that the other patrons did nothing to intervene, just sitting there while Emma and I were physically and verbally assaulted.

“Since coming out, I’ve been fortunate enough to avoid this kind of abuse since. Once he marched off, I just broke down. It was terrifying to hear someone wanted me dead, simply for being in love.”

This Love is Sorenson’s catharsis from the frightening events of last December. The indie pop anthem, recorded by Hannah Mae and the Hoodwinks, is the response she wished she made to their attacker at the time.

“I wanted to give a voice to the feelings of the countless victims of homophobic abuse, and a message of resounding strength with others in the LGBTIQ+ community, especially amid the unprecedented abuse currently from the No Campaign in the marriage postal survey.

“I wanted to write something that said ‘you want to snuff us out, you want to stifle our love. But you can’t. We’re here. We’re queer. We’re in love. So deal with it.”

This is the latest in a series of newly released indie-pop singles from Hannah Mae and the Hoodwinks, who recently played Fairbridge Music Festival and Hyperfest Music Festival.

The dynamic five piece have an eclectic genre, each member adding stylistic flair to Sorenson’s songs. The tunes have been referred to as ‘ear worms’ and been played on RTR FM, The Hoist and Albany Radio.

Watch the premiere of Hannah Mae and the Hoodwinks’ new video below. You can also get even more of the gang on Facebook and YouTube.

OIP Staff