One of the posters on Towleroad posted this comment:

"I lived in south Florida for over 30 years and just recently moved. The Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area has become a sewer. I have never encountered so many hate filled, profane, rude, ignorant and violent people in my life. I had a concealed carry weapons permit and carried a handgun at all times when out and about. Being ex-military (USMC) I had no qualms about what would happen if I was ever assaulted and feared for my health or safety. The law in Florida is very clear on use of deadly force, and this man would have been fully justified in the shooting of his attacker. If attacked, I will fight back and do as much damage to my attacker as I can. Until gays start defending themselves these attacks will continue and escalate. Learn self-defense or learn to use a weapon. All too often these thugs know gay men or even men perceived to be gay are easy targets. When the victim strikes back and the basher ends up dead or bashed, these attacks will stop."

I couldn't agree more

Mr. Raposo,

Where would you choose to place the bullet? Between the eyes, or between the balls? I think you know which one I'd choose.

xoxoxo,
Phoenix

The recent violence in Fort Lauderdale is the result of Mayor Naugle's leadership. Naugle knew, or should have known, that some people look for justification to do crimes, and that hateful statements by the Mayor provide that justification.

It doesn't help that some preachers in this area also routinely incite hatred against gays. But those same preachers have been doing so most Sundays for 20 or more years. And most of the violence-prone people don't listen to them.

There is perhaps a silver lining in these events. Most people are repulsed by reports of senseless violence. In other cases, that has led to passage of laws to protect the minority. And in many places, the police have become more aware of the problem, and more willing to respond.

BTW — I live in Fort Lauderdale. The area where the attack occurred (Las Olas) is full of restaurants and night life, and is still very popular. But it is mostly straight. The gays left years ago, and now mostly go to another city entirely (Wilton Manors), which is just a couple miles away.

Now that we have open season on gays in the Los Olas area, I expect the remaining gays will avoid it. Some of the businesses are already in trouble due to declining popularity. Expect that area to decline, generally, over the next several years.

Hey, Phoenix, gangland style: on his knees, between the eyes–after a swift kick to the balls 8^)

I grew-up in Florida (from the 70-90s) and have to agree with most of these comments. I get so tired of people saying "Florida is not the South" just because they have visited South Beach or the theme parks of greater Orlando. Florida is country with a K. I was exposed to overt racism and homophobia my whole life there and rarely go back, and when I do I find that not much has changed. Vestages of Jim Crow still abound, you just have to take a second look.