THE victim of a homophobic attack in Neilston has gone viral after posting a pic of his grinning, bloody face on social media.

Blair Wilson’s Facebook post has been shared over 500 times since he made it at 10.37pm on Friday, June 29.

The former St Luke’s High pupil said he was on his way home from his mum’s house, walking in the town’s Main Street, when another man called him a “faggot”.

Blair said he confronted the man over his language and was then physically attacked, leaving him with a cut across his nose and blood on his face and shirt.

He managed to get away and, just seconds later, took a selfie, grinning through his injuries, and posting it to his Facebook page, letting his friends and family know what had happened.

Blair, 21, told the Barrhead News he had never experienced physical violence as a result of his sexuality and was shocked it had happened in Neilston.

He said: “I thought, clearly, this person doesn’t realise how close Neilston is and I just wanted to post something so that, when he sobered up, he might see how much love and support I have.

“I knew, as soon as it happened, that I could either keep quiet and feel embarrassed about it or I could shame him over Facebook. As soon as I posted it, even though my nose was still bleeding, I didn’t care.”

His post soon accrued over 2,000 likes and dozens of comments expressing concern and support.

Blair said: “It’s amazing. I’ve heard from so many people I haven’t spoken to in ages and people I don’t even know telling me I’m an inspiration and stuff. It’s made me feel so good about myself.

“I did use some choice words in the post, but the message I wanted to get across is you need to stick up for yourself. Maybe don’t go getting yourself hurt, but show them you have friends, you are loved.

“I think some people think because you are a different sexuality from them you have no friends and everyone is in the same mindset of them, when the reality is they’re the minority.

“You can prove to them you’re much more loved than they will ever be if they live a life of hate.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed that they had received a report about the incident and enquiries are ongoing.