Responding to Apparent Homophobic Attacks in Chelsea and Greenwich Village

October 2010 was marred by reports of three apparent hate crimes perpetuated in Greenwich Village and Chelsea in which the victims were perceived to be gay men. In response to each of the attacks, my office has been working with the Manhattan District Attorney's office, the New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP), and NYPD Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender liaison Tim Duffy to ensure that those who are responsible are brought to justice.

Hate and prejudice of any kind are unacceptable in New York City or anywhere, but there is a heightened injustice that these apparently anti-gay attacks occurred in Chelsea and Greenwich Village, neighborhoods with their long-standing connections to the LGBT community.

On October 19, I participated in a roundtable discussion with New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, New York State Assemblymember Deborah Glick, New York City Councilmember Rosie Mendez, AVP, more than 15 LGBT bar and club owners and managers as well as the New York Nightlife Association, and representatives from the NYPD about how we can work together to ensure that New York City's LGBT nightlife remains the safest in the world.

The events in our community, as well as horrific homophobic episodes in the Bronx and on Long Island, underscore our continued need to reduce ignorance, hatred and bigotry in our society. Please click here for AVP's guide for LGBT survivors of violent crimes, that gives important safety information, tips and strategies for responding to attacks, and suggestions on what our community can do to combat hate and violence.