The Bonny Hills resident was targeted while he was walking with a friend in town. A motorist called out to him from his vehicle window making a statement about Mr Porto's sexuality.

The incident prompted Mr Porto to call out the poor behaviour via a personal post on social media.

The 28-year-old is gay. He sometimes wears skirts because he does not believe people should conform to social norms if they don't want to.

Mr Porto said he is confident with who he is but said the hurtful incident could have a profound impact on someone who is younger or more vulnerable.

According to Beyond Blue Support Service, studies have found that non-heterosexual people face up to twice as much abuse or violence (including physical, mental, sexual or emotional) than their heterosexual counterparts.

This prejudice and discrimination adds an additional layer of risk on top of biological, social, environmental and psychological factors which can lead to depression, anxiety and suicide.

"These kinds of incidents can impact people's mental health and unfortunately it can end in tragedy," Mr Porto said.

Mr Porto was 19-years-old when he first told his mum he was gay.

He also chose to announce his sexuality via Facebook at the time and believes it was influential in helping him to become comfortable and confident with his identity.

At the age of 22, Mr Porto moved away from the region to Melbourne, which he said was a lot more accepting of all minority groups.

Mr Porto felt he could fully embrace his identity and be free to explore all aspects of his personality.

Since moving back home, Mr Porto believes the Port Macquarie-Hastings community still has a long way to go when it comes to accepting diversity.

He said poor behaviour should be called out if attitudes are to change.

Since posting his experience on Facebook, Mr Porto has received many messages of support.

Richard Sheargold is the founder of the Pride in Port group.

He established the group because he realised there is a lot of isolation when people are part of the LGBTQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex and asexual) community in Port Macquarie.

Mr Sheargold said people who grow up in the region often move away to cities so they can be in a bigger community.

He is calling for more education for people who discriminate against groups such as the LGBTQIA community.

"When you go out of your way to cause conflict it's not a reflection on the LGBTQIA community, it's a reflection on these individuals and how they have their own hatred and issues they have to deal with," he said.

For crisis support people can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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