Homophobia forced me out of my home town. Never again

I couldn't believe what I was reading: “They've been pushing this sick agenda for 100 years”, “More paedophiles in schools” and “Nobody is homophobic - we are homo-fatigued”.

- Matt Cain

These are just some of the comments that appeared under a recent Bolton ‘News article about me when it was posted on Facebook. The comments flung me back to a painful time ~and threatened to disrupt my reconciliation with my home town.

I've always had a fractious relationship with Bolton. Growing up in the 1980s as a sensitive and obviously gay child, Iwas the victim of homophobic bullying. At school, Iwas called “poof”, “queer” and “pansy”. Kids refused to sit next to me in case they caught Aids. I was spat at in the street. I fled Bolton to find my tribe among fellow creatives and outsiders, first in Manchester, and then in London.

But I was drawn back to Bolton by family events, especially the births of nephews and nieces. As they grew up, I saw the town through their eyes and realised there was a lot to love: the beautiful Lancashire moors, the warmth of the people and the strong sense of community.