On a brisk cloudy afternoon, LGBT civil rights activist group, ‘Right to Feel Safe’, security team, ‘The Circuit Crew’, alleged gay bashing victim Damien Furtch, LGBT events promoter GalNyc and nearly 200 concerned and highly motivated citizens of the LGBT community took to the Greenwich Village streets demanding “Justice now!” for all the victims of gay bashing whose cries continue to go unheard.
The march commenced under the arch in Washington Square Park and made its way up 6th Avenue with everyone shouting loud enough for all of New York City to hear, “No more bashing!” “No more bashing!”
The motivation for the march was sparked by yet another attack involving California native twenty-six year old Damien Furtch, a recent victim of an alleged gay bashing. The attack occurred in front of the McDonalds restaurant on West 3rd Street, late Sunday night March 27th in Greenwich Village.
After leaving work at the Pink Tea Cup Restaurant and heading over to McDonalds, it seems that two men accosted Damien and a friend who was not attacked during the beating and began spewing anti-gay remarks at Mr. Furtch while both men pummeled Mr. Furtch’s face and body. Mr. Furtch sustained two severe black eyes during the senseless vicious beating and required multiple stitches.
Although a suspect has been apprehended and charged with misdemeanor assault, the hate crime police investigation remains open until the police can confirm if the crime was driven by homophobia. Mr. Furtch had this to say, “In my opinion, it was definitely a case of homophobia.” “It would be different if it was just him and just me fighting.”
Another factor that stagnates the investigation is the rumor of the suspect being a gay individual himself. The question remains, “Can one homosexual attack another homosexual and it still be considered a hate crime?” Mr. Furtch had this to say, “Regarding his being a homosexual gentleman still remains to be confirmed.”
When I asked Damien how that would make him feel if the suspect turned out to be gay, he stated, “If a homosexual attacks another homosexual, yes that could still be a hate crime.” “Maybe that individual hasn’t come out to his friends or family yet, you never know.”
As the determined and fearless body of civil rights activists and LGBT community supporters crossed each Avenue they drew tremendous cheers and some jeers from store owners, honking horns blaring from passing traffic, pedestrians raising there fists in unity, peace signs flashing and even a very enthusiastic Scottish terrier who barked in unison with the marchers passionate declarations.
Furtch also mentioned that Councilmember Christine Quinn has been very instrumental in passing out flyers and getting the awareness out into the community.
One of the lead coordinators of the march, Daniel Azraea Bracciale, a tall buxom no – nonsense transvestite in 6 inch stiletto heels, stated that he identifies more so with Malcolm X’s philosophies rather than Martin Luther king Jr’s regarding civil rights and obtaining justice.
He stated, “If you’re gonna come into my community and attack my brothers and sisters, sh#t is gonna go down.” The passionate and compassionate leader of the response rally declared, “As an American citizen, if I pay the same taxes, I deserve the same rights.”
The march ended at the historic Stonewall Inn. The day’s events were capped off with speeches from organizer and activist Fya Hopelezz , David Ortiz, members of Queer Rising and Mathew Horizon. A march is scheduled for next month as well.
Mr. Furtch’s final statement summed up the rally’s mission for the day, “We want people to realize that any kind of violence and hate against the LGBT community is unacceptable.”
One of Damien's attackers is still at large. If you have any information regarding his whereabouts or the case please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS(8477) or submit tips at nypdcrimestoppers.com or text info to 274637 (CRIMES), entering TIP577.
Please click on the following link for additional photo coverage of the march.
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