NY Mayor Speaks Against Anti-Gay Violence, Community Creates Safety Pledge

Last week, the nation was stunned by the brutal anti-gay beating and torture [1] of two teen boys and a 30-year-old man in the Bronx, New York.

New York Mayor Bloomberg stepped up and made a strong statement publicly denouncing anti-gay violence [2]: “When any New Yorker is attacked because of who they are or who they love, the fabric that binds us together is torn. That's why these attacks are attacks on us all -- and why they can never, ever be allowed. Especially when it comes to our kids."

New York leaders, community organizations and residents are also rallying together to show their support for the victims and to take steps against anti-gay violence.

The New York Anti-Violence Project [3] has started an online pledge [4] encouraging people to speak up and resist violence against LGBT community members. The project also provides a way for victims or witnesses to report hate speech, bias and discrimination either on AVP’s website or hotline, and asks people to make ending violence in their communities a top priority.

Members of community groups led by City Council Speaker Christine Quinn marched through the Morris Heights section of the Bronx and handed out leaflets to spread awareness of the brutal anti-gay attacks and urge residents to step up and help find the suspects. At present, 11 suspects have been identified [5].

Additionally, dozens of people participated last week in Queer Rising's 'Take Back the Night' gay rights march [6] in front of The Stonewall Inn.

What are you doing to help make your community safe for everyone? Please share your story so we can all learn from each other.

In:

LGTBQ [7]

city leaders [8]