


We still have a lot of work to do.
Saturday, September 26, 2009 3:58AM
Two punches to the face. Thrown against a car, denting its body. Told we should die of AIDS. Is this what you should expect walking down 9th Ave with a couple friends?
I've walked the same block a million times. The place I call "home" is only 2 blocks away. I consider this neighborhood to be made up of friends, neighbors and allies. And yet tonight, it became a threatening, unaccepting place.
Walking down this usual block, a friend turned when a lit cigarette butt was thrown at him. "Keep moving, faggot." We all stopped, shocked to hear these words in what is normally such an accepting, gay-friendly neighborhood, in New York, such an open-minded city.
We exchanged words, more and more heated, until he started to approach us, threatening violence. Before we knew it, he had thrown one friend against a car, denting it. The other took two punches to the face, cutting his lip before the bouncer at McCoy's came out and stopped him.
We called the police. They arrived -- 5 cops or so, from at least 2 cars. They talked to the guy who assaulted us. They asked us what happened. We recounted the story.
The cops -- the NYPD -- did NOTHING. They wouldn't even take the guy's information so we could file a claim later, or even run the plates of the car whose body was dented from him throwing my friend into it. "They're NJ plates, we can't do anything."
Being able to marry is one thing. But being able to walk down the street in peace, and to be able to see someone arrested who tries to disrupt that peace -- is a simple human right.
And yet, in New York State, in New York City -- The Greatest City In The World -- we are still not viewed as equal citizens.
I don't know about you... but I've had enough.
The time for equality is NOW. If what I've told you about tonight upsets you, or if you know people who are affected by this kind of discrimination, please STAND WITH US as we march in Washington D.C. in a national demonstration for EQUALITY FOR ALL.
Get more info at broadwayimpact.com or equalityacrossamerica.org/march
Every voice counts. Make yours heard.