A recent series of alleged attacks targeting gay men in New York City have raised concern among local advocates. Last weekend, police say two gay men walking in midtown Manhattan were approached by a group of four men, who yelled anti-gay slurs and attacked them. The victims were taken to a near by hospital, and on victim suffered a broken nose. This morning, another incident occurred in the same area, where two gay men were allegedly attacked by a group of men who shouted anti-gay slurs at them outside of a nightclub. Both victims suffered severe facial injuries, and two suspects have now been arrested, according to reports.
"These vicious assaults are not reflective of the diversity that defines New York City," said New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn. "Our city prides itself on its inclusiveness, and hateful slurs and physical attacks against anyone, for any reason, go against the very fabric of what makes our City great."
The Anti-Violence Project (AVP) is working with the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, and Speaker Quinn to address these recent incidents. AVP is also working with GLAAD to bring attention to these attacks.