Sussex Mother and Son launch app to keep people safe on night out
BOBU shows vulnerable people where they can get help
Luciana and Nicholas Cousin have launched the BOBU app in Brighton to provide safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals feeling threatened.
The app directs users to bars and restaurants where staff are trained to assist in dangerous situations.
Hate crimes based on sexual orientation have surged by 112% in the past five years, prompting the app's creation.
The couple plans to expand BOBU across the UK, starting with London and Kendal, Cumbria.
Nicholas, who experienced violence due to his sexual orientation, initiated the app to prevent others from facing similar situations.
He told us: "A close friend of ours was beaten up in Brighton and they didn't know where to go and they felt very afraid.
"We've identified that there are two types of safety. Physical safety and emotional safety. The emotional safety is just as import and it's both that we need to care for. We don't just look and venues that can physically keep people safe, but emotionally too.
"That emotional unsafety is what causes anxiety and stress for users or customer, or anyone. and we really want to support people in that."
Despite their own struggles, the Cousins aim to create a more accepting world for LGBTQ+ individuals.