The same night that Kevin Aviance was brutally attacked near the Phoenix Bar last weekend, there were two other gay-bashings in Queens a few hours later. Whether it’s a backlash to Pride as often happens during June, or just a reflection of the current American culture war, we don’t really care, but we agree with those at the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project when they say enough is enough.
There will be a march tomorrow afternoon at 2pm. Here are the details:
When: Saturday, June 17
Where: Where: Gather at NE Corner of 14th Street and First Avenue at 2PM; march at 3PM to Christopher Park (Christopher & West 4th Streets)
How about we take this to the next level?
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Some folks are advising gays to carry razor blades for self-defense, but we’re a bit squemish about that idea. Blades make us uncomfortable anyway and the prospect of introducing a razor blade into an already heated situation with some crazy-ass gaybasher seems like asking for trouble. We’ll leave that up to you all, but please go to the march tomorrow.
March and Rally this Saturday [NYCGLAVP via ELH]
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matias
I’m assuming the abbreviated AVP refers to the NYC Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project? Can you provide a link to the statement from this anti-violence group encouraging attendees to bring along a razor or two?
Frank
hey Matias, thanks for catching that. The razorblade in fact is not the AVP’s official position, but rather that of another impassioned gay. See the full reference in the ELH post. I just got confused with all the activism going on, and I appreciate the heads up. xo F
Mountain Queen
The backlash against same-sex marriage in the country, increased attacks against gays in Great Britain, and seemingly similar growing violence in this nation portend a truth. Self-defense isn’t such a bad thing.
As a legal, gun-owning queer, though not a member of Pink Pistols, it’s time we gave serious thought to our own defense. We can’t expect anybody else to do it for us.
If you can get a permit, carry a gun. If you don’t know how to use one safely, take a course and learn. We ought to be leaving a few of these bashers bleeding on the street in place of our brothers and sister. And what about gay defense communes? Our future looks a bit more militant that America is ready to handle. And it’s time has come. Oh, that’s makes us no better than the bashers, you say? Screw that. I”m not going to take the blame for the actions of idiots who refuse to see gays as citizens. And an armed gay man is a citizen. Choose your weapon, learn how to use it, practise safely and be prepared for the worst…it’s coming.
James M. McDonald
Equal Justice for Gay Bashers
Now listen, let’s not judge those four young lads too harshly who courageously beat up on Kevin and those who self-righteously violently assaulted those other two queers! After all, they’re only doing their duty to America and church! Yes, these four virile youths were merely acting out their frustrations, anger and hatred, bigotry and religious upbringing on a lone, unarmed, unsuspecting victim or two. Do you realize the fortitude it takes to gang up on someone and inflict bodily harm? After all, there is a morale and divine obligation for outrage against homosexuals whomever and wherever and whenever. Is that not what this country is all about? Equality for and about white, straight America forever, amen! Adolph would be so overjoyed! So I say, let’s reward these outstanding impetuous gentlemen, who need to prove their manhood and dispense the same justice with which they dispensed to Kevin. No, don’t put them on trial, that’s far too harsh! Instead, I propose a new amendment to our glorious constitution by which all gay bashers, attackers and hate-mongers, male and of age, be sent directly to the nearest army post, fitted out for desert uniform and send immediately to Iraq, where they can join their counter parts, the totally normal guys fighting our sworn enemies of freedom! No need for combat training, either, because they’ve already proven what brave, strong and courageous heroes they are and what high moral convictions they’re so endowed with. I’m certain our present president and all his supporters will agree just what upstanding Americans the fag-bashers truly are and that we can all be so very proud of them for their actions of pure valor! So, keep up the good fight, Right-Wing America! God is on your side!
Gay Vet who served in the Viet Nam War
Kevin, my love and heart go out to you! Get better – fast!
We need you!