Several LGBT organizations, city and state leaders, and everyday citizens gathered in Midtown Manhattan today to distribute fliers asking for the public’s help to identify suspects in anti-LGBT attacks last week.
The event was in response to a high profile attack that happened just outside of Madison Square Garden on May 7. Supporters distributed fliers asking for help in identifying a man in a Knicks basketball jersey, who attacked a gay couple.
The rally and flier distribution was organized by New York City Council Speaker, Christine Quinn, and New York State Senator Brad Hoylman. In addition to GLAAD, the Anti-Violence Project, the LGBT Community Center, and Athlete Ally were present for the distribution. The couple who was attacked, Nick Porto and Kevin Atkins, were present as well.
In addition to the attack near Madison Square Garden, on Friday, GLAAD assisted media in telling the story of an additional anti-gay attack in Midtown Manhattan on Friday. GLAAD referred media to spokespeople from the Anti-Violence Project, who were able to be on site when arrests were made in that attack.
Even with advances like marriage equality, and even in places that one may think is safe to be LGBT, violence happens against LGBT people. 2011 recorded the highest number of attacks against LGBT people. GLAAD will continue to bring attention to violence against LGBT community until no one is attacked for simply being who they are.
