This man is my family. Yesterday, two cowards beat him up for being gay

[Downtown Hound]

His name is Damien. And while I'm not directly related to him, he is family. He's kind of like an unofficial adopted son of my stepfather. Damien grew up in a group home, he had a troubled early family life. But Damien always kept a positive outlook on life. My stepfather used to volunteer for kids like him. That's how they met. Anyways, Damien was a true champ. He and my stepfather bonded, and Damien went on to go from his tough past into a talented dancer that dances on cruise ships and other places. He is currently living in New York city pursuing his dream. He's always a pleasure to talk to and I can't say enough good things about him. When my mother died last year, Damien flew all the way out to California and danced at her funeral. He was filled with compassion for me and expressed his sympathy for my loss, telling me how much my mother had meant to him.

Yesterday, he was coming out of a McDonald's when two men approached him, called him a fucking faggot, and proceeded to beat the living hell out of him. According to Damien, the two assailants had their girlfriends with them, and they watched the entire thing and laughed in the background. I can't even begin to describe how enraged I am right now. I think of every homophobic asshole I've ever met and I want to do violence to them, telling them they caused this. They make hatred okay. And they do.

They fight for gay rights has always been important to me. Today, it became personal. I am shaking with rage right now.





http://scallywagandvagabond.com/2011/03/damian-furtch-is-beaten-because-hes-gay-whats-up-with-that/

[xchrom]

1. i'm very sorry this happened to your family. nt

[RebelOne]

2. I am so sorry for your friend.

I have read of so many cases like this that I just want to scream. I have had many gay friends and just cannot believe how some ignorant people could be so intolerant. And that's all it is - pure ignorance.

[EFerrari]

3. I'm so sorry.

Were his assailants caught?

[Downtown Hound]

9. Not yet. n/t

[EFerrari]

11. I hope there's film somewhere.

Fucking assholes. Andy Humm (andyhumm@aol) might want to talk about this on GayUSA which has a big audience in NYC and films, iirc, Tuesday for a Wednesday airing. More eyes on it. :hug:

[Ken Burch]

56. Most fast-food places have security cameras, especially in a place like New York

Somebody needs to make sure the people at this Mickey D's give the tape to the cops...AFTER giving Damien and his friends copies for safekeeping.

[reggie the dog]

104. If i were your gay friend i would have made a flippant false comment

like "i have aids, you better wash my blood off of you real good" that would have freaked those two assholes real good.

[defendandprotect]

109. We always think we'll be safe from the violent among us -- in the end they are

after all of us -- homosexuals, women, children -- whatever --

Give them the rw propaganda and they'll believe it --

[Downtown Hound]

112. LOL. That's actually pretty good. n/t

[HillbillyBob]

123. Then they would have done their best to kill them

first hand experience. Now have pepper spray and my cane I don't carry a gun because I WOULD use it.

[JuniperLea]

4. I'm so sorry this happened!

This should never happen to anyone.

Idiots. This is why hate crimes need special punishment... and it should be most vile.

[sinkingfeeling]

5. So sorry for you and yours.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

6. I hear your rage, and I second it.

My heart goes out to Damien.

May all his scars (both visible and invisible) soon disappear.

Recommended.

:hug:

[MineralMan]

7. Aw geez! I'm so sorry to hear that.

Nobody should ever be beaten for who they are. I wish I'd been there. I'd have done my very best to stop what happened. Fuck!

[reggie the dog]

106. Why didn't anyone help him?

I am only 32 so i would have tried, then again i am not afraid of having my ass kicked either. I once stepped in when a teenager on the train started getting in the face of a train ticket checker because she was a woman and black, once i heard "fucking nigger bitch" that was it, i got right in his face and didnt give a fuck if there were 5 other teen guys with him. when i turned around i noticed 5 or 6 other 30 or 40 something guys in the train car had my back too. i fucking hate injustice with a passion.

[MineralMan]

129. I can't answer that one. I'd have stepped in, and I'm 65.

I've done that in the past a number of times. So far, not once have I been attacked for doing so. I just step in and make it clear that what is happening is not going to continue. I'm not at all polite about it, either. I'm a pretty good sized guy, and pretty imposing when I'm being serious, I guess.

Usually, if someone steps up, others will follow. It seems like being the first to step up is the hardest.

My wife hates it when I do this. I can't not do it, though. It's something I learned from my father, and I can't not act.

[uppityperson]

8. k&r. I don't understand people a lot of the time. Hoping Damian heals quickly and my condolences.

[CreekDog]

10. did this happen up in Santa Rosa?

damn.

i'm sorry. x(

[Downtown Hound]

13. No. New York City.

[stuntcat]

20. horrible

horrible ANYWHERE. but even worse on NYC.

I'm so sorry, and mad. This was terrible.

[defendandprotect]

111. Ironic -- West Village, NYC --

I grew up there and it was always very tolerant of homosexuals -- everyone.

Somewhere along the way, it seems times have changed -- not for the better!!

:(


PS -- This is tragic and can only wish for some kind of a response from the

W Villagers in standing against this violence -- and that your friend will

recover quickly. Those who did this -- including the girlfriends who stood by

and watched it -- should be treated very harshly. Everyone should be looking

for them -- and trust there were security cameras that will help the search.

[old mark]

12. K&R.

[DURHAM D]

14. We are all family. nt

[The Doctor.]

15. I've been very lucky.

I had the occasion to beat the crap out of or otherwise terrorize violent homophobes. It didn't always turn out in my favor, especially not before I stopped taking it, but the times it did made it all worth it.

I'm terribly, tragically straight, but I was a very pretty young man... that made me a target for the conflicted assholes. I was lucky to be kinetically gifted and have a talent for tactics. I feel awful for all the kind, harmless people out there who are just too gentle to deal out retribution.


(Doesn't look like someone who'll break your fingers, does it? A few people made that exact fucking mistake.)

I just wish I could be there when one of these sweet kids was threatened. I'm sure we all do.

[reggie the dog]

107. they beat you because they wanted to kiss you

and didnt know how to deal with that. my girlfriend likes when i wear tight jeans and tight sweaters, it so happens lots of gay men like that style here in france but up to now it has only been positive, as in men hitting ON me, not hitting me. and being hit in is flattering and i dont give a damn if it is a man or a woman, i just politely tell the gay men that i am flattered but hetero.

[The Doctor.]

122. Yep. Our society is pretty ill.

Been hit on plenty of times by guys (not as much lately, I don't go out), always flattering. Part of me wishes I were bi, but it just ain't there.

[Vehl]

16. So sorry to hear this!

I hope the bastards who did this get caught!
maybe some of the shops near the area might have cctv camera footage

[get the red out]

17. I can't comprehend this

The need some monsters have to harm an innocent person for absolutely no reason. It makes me wonder if the human race can ever be civilized.

[Ilsa]

18. I am enraged and I am so sorry this happened to your friend. I hope

it can be investigated and charges filed. Those Assholes need to be in jail.

[The Wizard]

75. Charges filed?

They should be mugged and thrown down a flight of stairs.

[reggie the dog]

108. dat is chi town style, beat them and steal their jewels while they down

[Frustratedlady]

19. How awful I'm sorry for your friend. People are becoming animals...

I shouldn't have compared those goons to animals. Not fair to the animals.

[krabigirl]

23. Becoming? They have been since the beginning of time. Although ..

I agree with you. Many people are much more disgusting. I prefer the company of animals to people like that.

[vim876]

61. Definitely.

My dog knows that sexual orientation doesn't matter. When will humans catch up?

[reggie the dog]

110. not fair to the animals at all

and dont say monsters either, cookie monster and grover were always friendly with bert and ernie

[Beacool]

21. This is just terrible!!!

I was going to write that it's even crazier that it happened in the West Village, but then I remembered one ugly incident that happened to me and a friend years ago. I used to do theater and my friend Terry was walking me to the PATH train (subway that connects NY & NJ) after rehearsals one late Saturday night. Terry is black, Puerto Rican and gay. We were walking on 8th St. (the heart of the West Village) when a group of guys passed by and made some racist and lewd remarks. They thought that Terry was my boyfriend. I was shocked and I couldn't believe it, but Terry just shrugged and told me to forget it. He said that it happened to him all the time since he had 3 strikes against him: race, ethnicity and sexual orientation. Any of those 3 could get him beaten up. Truly disgraceful and sad.

I hope that your friend recovers soon, even though the emotional scars will take a while longer to heal.

:hug:

[krabigirl]

22. :( omfg. I am so sorry. People make me SICK.

[Dappleganger]

24. Recc'd this earlier, still upset.

I have seen this face before (minus the stitches) on my best friend from high school and it brought back dreadful memories. :(

[closeupready]

25. He's going to be messed up, if he doesn't have a strong social support network.

:(

I sometimes see stories on local blog sites where someone phone-cammed heterosexual couples openly engaging in mutual masturbation on the L Train in front of a car full of strangers and nobody says anything nor stops them, and somehow, I feel the perps who did this would approve of that kind of foul, low-class behavior, but feel it's okay to physically assault someone who has simply dressed unusually. What can I say.

Healing thoughts to Damien.

[Mnemosyne]

26. Republican 'Family Values' at work. I am so sorry this happened to Damien, DH.

I join you in your rage.

My best friend is gay and I worry about him...

[pacalo]

27. I'm so sorry, DH.

I hope the police catch those s.o.b.'s -- & their girlfriends.

When I worked with several gay men in visual merchandising, I used my spunk to put homophobes in their place. I've seen firsthand how sub-human LGBTers are treated & the homophobes don't get away with it if I'm around when it happens.

I hate bullies of all kinds.

[Downtown Hound]

28. Thanks for all the good vibes everybody

Both Damien and I appreciate them.

[reggie the dog]

114. tell your buddy that we hope that one day

shit like this will just happen in history books. i dont understand how people can ENJOY hurting someone who has in no way harmed them. what kind of satisfaction can one get when they hurt someone who is just minding their own business? it is beyond me.

[ZombieHorde]

29. ...

:cry: :grouphug:

[applegrove]

30. Think of the poison the monsters will have to live with for what they have done.

Those girls too.

[reggie the dog]

115. Poison? they had FUN doing it

they are PROUD of what they did. Hell their friends probably think they are cooler for it and their girlfriends probably gave them real good sex for it too (why do i get the feeling those guys like to let their ladies put on a strap on and take them?)

[backscatter712]

127. They're psychopaths. They have zero empathy.

They think beating a gay guy within an inch of his life is funny.

They have no consciences to torment them about what they've done.

[applegrove]

137. You are right. I should know better.

[Faygo Kid]

31. So sorry - and pissed off here.

I'm an old heterosexual guy with great gay friends, and I am so sick of this crap.

I don't know what else to say at this point; thanks for posting, and tell Damien we send our best from DU.

[Raine]

32. This is heartbreaking

I'm so sorry. :hug:

[Starbucks Anarchist]

33. How horrible.

I'd like to take a baseball bat to these cowardly thugs. I don't think I'm the only one here who feels that way. :mad:

[WillyT]

34. K & R !!!

:mad:

:nuke:

:kick:

[BreweryYardRat]

35. I'm so sorry about your friend/adopted family member.

I hope he recovers quickly.

I also hope that the sub-humans who beat him are tracked down and punished, either by the law or by you.

[JitterbugPerfume]

36. All I can say is

I am sorry ,and I am ashamed.

[Liberal_in_LA]

37. sorry about this. omg

[Stinky The Clown]

38. For Damien . . . .

:hug:

For you . . . :hug:

Lets hope the police take this seriously. This is the sort of crime that is easy for some to forget.

[mistertrickster]

39. My advice is simple: get a gun and carry it.

Dead bigots don't beat people up.

Even an expandable billy club would even the odds wonderfully.

Here's one for less than 20 bucks.

http://www.selfdefenseproducts.com/J-L-Expandable-Batons-p-1-c-314.html

It's time to start making THEM feel our pain.

[The Doctor.]

41. Problem is, you'd go to jail for 'assault with a deadly weapon'.

Most corners of society look at this beating and say, "It's just a beat-down, builds character!". They would look at the use of deadly force against an attack as 'excessive'.

Unfortunately, they won't consider the other side of the equation; 'How many kids are beaten to death?'.


I still agree with you though. Start shooting these assholes and maybe they'll start thinking twice.

[Capitalocracy]

46. How about mace?

That's acceptable, right?

[The Doctor.]

48. Mace, Pepper spray, Stun Gun, Taser,

Might just get away with it.

Me? BIG advocate of improvised weaponry; Chairs, garbage cans, passel of Bichon Frises happening by. (Whatever works, you know)

The idea is to embarrass the attackers as much as stop the attack. If that can be done, then it's unlikely they'll be taken seriously in court. I'm not a big fan of our current social psychology, but I know damn well how to use it.

[ThomCat]

83. That's great if you're a big guy. But if you're not a big guy,

or if you're outnumbered two to one (like Damien was) or worse, then what?

Not everyone can act all macho and scare away attackers. Though it's easy to claim so on a message board.

The truth is, what we need is for most people to decide that gay bashing has to stop, and to be willing to step in to help when they see something like this happening.

At a McDonald's, there were probably other people nearby. At the very least, the two women were there. If several people had come forward to help him, those two men wouldn't have been to do what they did. Beating up one defenseless guy is easy. Beating up a group of people standing together is nearly impossible.

Unfortunately, it's very rare for anyone to come forward to help stop a gay bashing attack. Or any attack. People are much more likely to watch, or look the other way. :(

[The Doctor.]

94. Actually, that's the point of improvised weaponry.

Even the odds. It's something to resort to especially if someone isn't a 'big guy'. Not sure how you came up with such a bass-ackwards statement.

I'm not a 'big guy' or a 'tough guy'. I just got pissed off enough to fight back and found a way to get advantages. It's not about "acting macho", it's about being angry enough at those attacking you to act. Most of these kids don't have a violent bone in their whole body.

I don't know who you're talking about that supposedly claimed anyone can 'act all macho and scare away attackers'. It simply doesn't work that way. Those that have been in fights with bullies know that 'machismo' rarely has any damn thing to do with it.

Society will grow up one day. It has to.

[mistertrickster]

97. I wonder why no one stepped in. At least call 911 and take cell phone photos. nt

[reggie the dog]

117. i am with you thom, i am a small guy

but i do like to talk shit really loud, so i may just start loudly saying shit like "hey asshole, what the fuck are you doing?" i have lost more than one fight back in school but sometimes you gotta stand up to people even if they win.

[reggie the dog]

116. In NYC they stop blacks and make them empty their pockets all the

time, hell even some whites, that is why they have 55,000 pot arrests or something stupid like that every year even though NYC is in a decrim state, counteract that with seattle which has basically ZERO pot arrests and is in a state where pot is still criminalized.....

[Dont_Bogart_the_Pretzel]

121. Also get a lot of training. A lot of people that "carry" would not know what to do in time.

One think I learned from watching a friend/cop that carried, is he always looking around.

He said it (trouble) could happen in seconds and you need to be ready.

[freshwest]

40. I had to edit my angry response.

May he recover soon. Send him our love.

:loveya:

[jwirr]

42. That is terrible. They are truly cowards. Sorry for you family.

[ThomCat]

43. I am very sorry for what happened to Damien.

:(

I hope those men get caught and arrested, and charged with hate crimes.

I hope those girlfriends are ashamed of themselves for finding that amusing. I hope they talk about this with friends and find out that other people aren't amused. I hope this ends up biting them on the proverbial ass.

And then I hope some of those people that they told go to the police. x(


:hug:

I hope Damien will be okay.

[suffragette]

44. I am so sorry for Damien

K&R

[PBass]

45. I bet the cops will catch the attackers.

The link in the OP said one of the assailants has a gothic cross tattooed on his face. It's dead certain that this guy will be identified, and caught.

Maybe you can get this on TV news in NYC.

I expected this to have occurred in the Bronx, surprised to hear it was the West Village. Definitely need these guys to go to jail!!!

[reggie the dog]

118. I thought all of NYC was gay friendly like San Fransisco

did i miss something?

plus a goth attacking someone for being gay? how does that work? i thought goths and many gays were sad and angry about the shit world we lived in. you would think they would have more in common.....

[GoddessOfGuinness]

47. I'm so sorry...

It brings tears to my eyes to see what those thugs did to Damien. It's horrid enough just to be intolerant, but to express that bigotry with violence is pure evil.

I do believe, though, that progress is slowly but steadily being made. I believe that for every one bigoted asshole there are at least another 25 people who want to evolve beyond such foolishness, and that each day, another person recognizes intolerance as unjust and sinful, and changes their behavior.

I hope Damien's wounds, physical and emotional, heal quickly.

[avaistheone1]

49. Unreal

How can some people be so evil?

[Starry Messenger]

50. ((hugs)) to Damian

What a world. :(

[Zambero]

51. Those giggly girls...

They may not realize it, but if their boyfriends were cowardly enough to gang up on one gay man, at some point they might find themselves victimized as well. Individuals who enjoy seeking out weaker victims don't always limit their actions to a single demographic. I hope that Damien makes a very quick recovery from this senseless act, and that he will somehow be able to regain his positive outlook.

[Paka]

70. Great Point, Zambero.

As a "thin as a rail" white female, I've been mugged by a beefy thug and jumped/knocked down on a busy San Francisco street in my youth, so I quality as a part of that extended demographic. Those giggly girls are sicker than their boyfriends. :mad:

[raccoon]

72. That was my thought too--I'd bet money on it.

"at some point (those giggly girls) might find themselves victimized as well. "

[chervilant]

52. Sigh...

We humans are manifesting a level of mental disease that is both frightening and corrosive. Far too many of us are in react mode, driven by inchoate fears and resentments. Far too many of us are willing to pollute our spirits with negativity, eagerly engaging in name-calling and other forms of vilification. Far too many of us are willing to glorify violence or resort to violence, often just for entertainment or personal gratification!

We seldom acknowledge the import of overpopulation, but Calhoun's research with rats has proven that when a critical level of overpopulation occurs, the outcome isn't pretty. With rats, abnormal sexual behavior, hyperaggression, eating their young, and increased mortality are a few of the problems that occurred. With humans, well...isn't it past time we acknowledge that our species has passed a critical tipping point?

I find it increasingly difficult to advocate for 'human beings' who would commit such vile acts as these inhumane people committed on Damien. In situations like these, I am ever more hopeful that karma is real.

[Ken Burch]

53. Not only were those guys evil...but what was up with their girlfriends?

If they can stand there and laugh while a human being is assaulted, I damn sure don't want those women having kids.

[flvegan]

54. I'm sorry, Damien. I wish I had been there.

This would not have happened. Should anyone find out who the crims are, please let me know.

That's how targets get painted.

I'll say nothing more.

[WilliamPitt]

55. (((HUG)))

With you and Damien.

I'm so sorry.

Strength.

!!!

[Ken Burch]

57. May your friend get justice and find healing.

May they catch those sadistic bastards and give them the long sentences they deserve.

[DesertDiamond]

58. OMG! Very big hugs to Damien and to you! There will soon come a day when this won't happen anymore

[tavalon]

59. I'm so sorry this happened to him and by proxy, you.

[slackmaster]

60. I'm very sorry, Downtown Hound. There are stupid, brutal, evil people in this world.

I hope Damian makes a quick and full recovery.

[vim876]

62. I'm so sorry.

I'm sending good vibes, and hoping Damien has a speedy recovery. I also hope those a$$holes have to serve hard time. No one should have to fear being assaulted on the street because of who they love.

[Norrin Radd]

63. I hope they figure out who those scumbags are.

[Shining Jack]

64. zOMG!

:cry:

[rasputin1952]

65. What prompted this? Two cowards jump one individual...

how did they "know" he was gay? I wish this had never happened, and the "next time" these bastards jump someone, I hope that individual has a Black belt in one of the martial arts and they get their cowardly asses kicked all the way down Broadway.

Two "tough guys" picking on a single individual, people like that need to suffer either emotionally, physically or both. I hope there is a security tape of this, the jerks are brought to justice and spend some time on Rioker's Island oor some other place where they will be off the streets for some time.

These two morons are indde cowards, it took two of them to attack a single individual coming out of a McDonald's, how utterly pathetic. These crimes have to stop, no more, we need to use the law to prosecute jerks like this.

I'm glad Damien has friends like you, and thank you for bringing this here where we can see the result of ignorance and hate...we must all pull together to stop these crimes. May Damien heal both physically and psychologically from this nightmare.

[Name removed]

78. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[democrank]

66. I`m so sorry.

[fasttense]

67. This is horrible. I'm so sorry. n/t.

[Paka]

68. My heart goes out to you both.

As an ex theater and dance person I have many wonderful gay friends. These brutal actions have accelerated so much in the recent years. I'm an old geezer and alternate life styles were sneered at in my youth, but these violent attacks were rare. It's part of the fast track into hell, that too much of the US has bought into in these last several decades. I am so sorry...:cry:

[lunatica]

69. I hope there's a police report and a video of this

Fucking hate crimes are terrorist tactics.

[Betty Karlson]

71. What a horrible thing.

Violence is not the solution, but I understand your rage at all the homophobes who proclaim a disdain for Gay and Lesbian (BTQA)people. This must be stopped - if only by better education.

[raccoon]

73. I'm sorry to hear that. Hope the cops catch these SOBs.

I just don't understand assholes who go out of their way to pick fights just to be assholes.

Oh, and pick unequal fights, I might add. :grr:

[unapatriciated]

74. So sorry that Damien had to endure that pain,

It's hateful to deny equal rights and downright evil to inflict physical violence because of that hate.

Equal rights has been personal for me for about 20 years (my daughter) and it became a crusade (15 years ago) when she was raped simply because she was gay. It was hard for a gay women and men to press criminal charges, the police and DA's offices saw them as nuisance cases. The Da's office would not file charges against my daughter's assailant. Said it was her word against his. They wanted her to get him on tape admitting to the rape. She was a security guard for Warner Bros corporate housing and he was hired as a temporary guard during Christmas Season. My daughter couldn't handel going back to work (that is where it happened) let alone face him. No charges were filed, DA said it was her word against his. The rape resulted in the birth of my grandson who I cared for the first year of his life. My daughter was able to bond (she had a lot of counseling and help from friends and family) with him at about six months of age. A Friend of the family (attorney) found us an attorney who specializes in assault cases. she not only won her work comp case but a civil case against his employer (he was a temp so technically the temp agency was his employer and they had prior complaints regarding sexual harassment) and the assailant as well. It was hard on her but she felt vindicated when the judge found in her favor against her assailant.

We need more family and friends standing with our fellow GLBT Q's brothers and sisters till there is equal rights and the violence is recognized and severely punished.

[reggie the dog]

119. so the guy's logic was, rape a lesbien so that she sees how nice

men are?

[myrna minx]

76. OMG -

:cry:

[eowyn_of_rohan]

77. ...

:cry: :grr:

DU sends love and support

[Le Taz Hot]

79. Oh, goddess.

Sending healing white light for his quick recovery. To the animals that did this: Karma exists. Be very afraid.

[TomClash]

80. The only saving grace is . . . .

. . . he's alive. His attackers are dead inside.

[Amaril]

81. I'm so sorry Damien had to endure this

As I find myself doing more and more these days, I can't help but think "What the fuck is WRONG with people?"

:hug:'s to both of you.

[H2O Man]

82. It's just unreal

to think that your brother -- and he is definitely your brother -- was subjected to the viciousness of those thugs. Reading this reminded me of back in 1998, when my nephew was attacked in a dark parking lot by a racist hate group. Being attacked for who you are -- your skin color, your sexuality -- it's hard to find words.

I know that violence is not the answer. But things like these make me want to answer this question wrong on purpose.

[AlbertCat]

84. Look at the bright side!!!

He has people who care about him (like you)

You got to post about it.

Look at the outrage your post generated!


When I was getting beaten up back in Jr. High in the early 70's, my teachers were the ones on the side lines laughing, and I had to run home alone.... where I got yelled at by my parents for bringing it on myself because I acted like a sissy.

Ahhhh.... the good ol' days....


Anyway... dancers are tough people. Tougher than I. He'll be fine. He has support.

[tpsbmam]

85. I cry for him. Heartbreaking. God I'm so appalled at how hateful this country

feels right now and how hate is directed at good people just living their lives and bothering no one. According to the SPLC, GLBT more than any other group, are on the receiving end of hate crimes.

SPLC’s Intelligence Report: Gays Targeted for Hate Crimes Far More Than Any Other Minority in America

11/22/2010

Gays and lesbians are far more likely to be victims of a violent hate crime than any other minority group in the United States, according to a new analysis of federal hate crime statistics in the latest issue of the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Report, released today.

The SPLC’s analysis of 14 years of hate crime data found that gays and lesbians, or those perceived to be gay, are more than twice as likely to be attacked in a violent hate crime as Jews or blacks; more than four times as likely as Muslims; and 14 times as likely as Latinos. The findings are based on FBI hate crime statistics from 1995 to 2008, the period for which there is complete data. The basic pattern also holds true in individual years.

We live in such a sick society. Oh hell, humans all around the world have used violence against members of groups they hate for just plain stupid, ignorant, bigoted reasons.

I hope Damien's physical wounds heal fast and his emotional & spiritual wounds are soothed by the support and love of people around him.

:cry: :grouphug:

[Shagbark Hickory]

86. Wow in NYC this happened?! Awful? Remind me to stay out of NYC til they capture this lot.

[felix_numinous]

87. I hope these guys are on tape

so they can be identified. Maybe put up flyers asking for witnesses, especially if this was in broad daylight. I also just thought of calling local news, but that would have to be up to Damien and how he feels about that.

I am so sorry for Damien, sending healing thoughts ...:hug:

[Zambero]

131. With 4 young perpetrators...

including the 2 in the cheering section, the possibility of at least one of them bragging this incident up would seem pretty high. I would be surprised if all 4 of them were able to keep a lid on it. If the cat gets out of the bag, details will quickly circulate and could eventually provide a break in the investigation. Hopefully NY has a hate crime statute. Damien deserves the satisfaction of seeing these punks locked up.

[efhmc]

88. The teabaggers and right wing Repubs rely on the

hatred of gays, as well as their hatred of women and immigrants. to build a strong base. Whether it is done overtly or covertly, this is the foundation of their party. Until America can accept all people, we will continue our backward slide to the white, macho male dominated society these people so love.
My thoughts are with your friends as he heals. I hope he is much better soon.

[DWC]

133. I wish Damien had been armed.

No honest person should be required to potentially face such horrific violence without the tools for self defense.

Semper Fi,

[efhmc]

138. I am so sorry he was not able to protect himself. I am not

sure he would not have been charged with a crime if he used a weapon. What are the laws there and would he have been able to prove self defense? How is he progressing physically and emotionally? No one should be hurt like this.

[Casandia]

89. There are no words

to express how deeply profound the hate of humans can sink to..

[Snoutport]

90. :0( Very sorry but welcome to gay life. The Right teaches that we are the enemy.

They teach their children to hate us. They try to overtake the school boards so they can bully gay kids by treating them as second class citizens.

It is ugly but we are fighters and we won't go back into the closet.

But I'm very sorry you had to learn about it this way.

[Irishonly]

91. I am so sorry.

I hope they find the subhumans who did this.

[October]

92. Horrifying.

I'm so sorry.

And so disgusted to see someone beaten like this.

[Swampguana]

93. This is so wrong

I am so sorry your family has to deal with stupid ignorant homophobic people. Just because they don't agree with damien choice doesn't give them the right to beat him up. Its absolutely disgusting!

[reggie the dog]

120. choice? dude did you CHOOSE to be hetero?

i choose to smoke reefer, i get persecuted for my CHOICE, damien is gay, he CHOSE nothing! at least we agree that people should not beat up gays, that is good common ground.

[Swampguana]

135. hey DUDE

don't get so worked up for poor CHOICE of words on my part! I was just being sympathetic. You're right it isn't a choice it's just how you're born. There's no common ground here I'm pretty sure we're 100% on the same page.

[hailhydra]

95. This should never happen to anyone.

This story moved me to tears. :cry:

Your whole family will be in my thoughts, especially Damian.

Oh, and I hope they catch these guys and put them behind bars.

[iandhr]

96. I am sorry

I hope the police catch the thugs.

[renate]

98. I'm so sorry... I hope Damian knows how many people here are sending him love and good wishes

He sounds like such a remarkable and sweet young man. Violence is always hideous but it's especially sad when it's inflicted on a good and kind person.

[Uncle Joe]

99. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, Downtown Hound.

[Roy Rolling]

100. this is what passes for tough?

Two guys beat up a gay dancer while their pathetic girlfriends watch? And in New York City, I'm sure there were other witnesses that were too cowardly to step forward?

That's at least 4 people that need to be charged, and every person that stood by but refused to help is morally guilty for failing to help.

I hope there is video found---and the animals can then be put in a cage until they turn human.

[gtar100]

101. My best wishes for a speedy recovery for Damien.

Those jerks and their girlfriends are a real problem in this world. They need to know there is a *large* and growing body of people who will not tolerate their bullshit anymore.

[joeybee12]

102. This sucks...but good for you...knr

[reggie the dog]

103. that happend to him in New York?

I thought New York City was safe terrirtory for gay people, an open minded city. This is horrible. What kind of people just beat someone because of who the person likes to have sex with? What kind of women are happy to watch their boyfriends be such brutes? 99% chance that these people vote Republican in my opinion.

[Shandris]

132. Who attacks a person because of who they sleep with?

That's simple. People who know, or have sufficient cause to believe, that there will be no resistance.

This is one place I disagree with many/most of DU. I am not a violent person by nature, but even nature has its' cycle of violence. I would like to see these bastards hunted down through the city like the savage, rabid animals they are and beaten to the verge of death before they were passed off to the 'authorities'. We're not talking about 'slightly maladjusted' individuals. We're talking about a pack of would-be wolves who DESIRE everyone to think that they are 'vicious predators'. Why should we treat them any different.

Get well soon Damien.

[reggie the dog]

105. It would have been 2 on 2 if i had seen that shit happen

the fuckers probably woulda ran just because the odds were even but I still would have punched one of them in the mouth before i even said anything.

[bluestate10]

140. For once we agree. There is no way that I would have stood and watch

one person get double teamed.

[aikoaiko]

113. The benefit of anger is that is motivates action

Good luck friends.

[nolabear]

124. I'm so sorry. He's my family too, as are the terrible people who did this.

And it breaks my heart that they can't see it. I hope he heals quickly, that something good comes of it (like learning how much you and others care) and I hope that somehow they do too.

[backscatter712]

125. Horrific.

I hope your friend's feeling better.

I hope the animals that did this get life-sentences...

[Atypical Liberal]

126. I'm sorry for your friend.

I'm sorry for the hatred and intolerance he had to endure.

I'd recommend he carry a concealed firearm, but unless you are rich those permits are virtually impossible to obtain in NYC.

[Catherina]

128. Jesus. Rec'd with anger. n/t

[louslobbs]

130. I am so incensed by this violent incident and those hateful, savage males who feel free to

commit acts of violence upon an innocent, and the two ignorant, cackling females who don't even have a clue, that they could be next in line for a beating from these low life thugs. Only cowards gang up on one person and beat his face with their fists and only insecure, giggling little cheerleaders would stand by and "enjoy" their hateful boyfriends committing their dirty, violent, deed. I would bet almost anything that all four of these criminals come from hateful, Republicon backgrounds where hate and violence seem to be accepted. I hope that these two criminal females, who watched their two cavemen in action, aren't surprised when "Og and Oaf" drag them around by their hair and club them into submission someday, that is, if they haven't already done so.

Damian, stand strong, never give up and never give in. I'm a gay man, 40yrs old and have never experienced an attack upon my person by anyone for any reason. One of the reasons I guess, is because I'm 6'1, 230lbs, run 5 miles a day and bench press 300lbs, the haters have always probably thought twice about confronting me simply because of my size......the weak minded little homophobes only pick on the those they believe to be weak and of course, they do it in teams, groups, or mobs instead of one on one. Only once, about 20 yrs ago a big mouth in (NY/Westchester County) confronted me and asked this simple question. "Hey, you're not a fag, are you?" Being me, I calmly looked him "straight" in his eyes and answered his question "why don't you ask your mother, I was with her last night, and she didn't seem to think so". He simply laughed it off and said he was just kidding, he wasn't, but it outed him in front of a group of "our" friends as a homophobe. Guess what? 5 years later I find out he lives in West Hollywood California with, you guessed it, his boyfriend.

Also, you were obviously caught of guard and sucker punched, not expecting these goons to confront you and sandbag you with violence, as their hookers stood by and laughed. You are not weak, you were victimized and there is nothing wrong with you. You are a young man, whole and complete and do not need the approval of anyone to be who you are, you also don't deserve to be attacked by the fists of these two hateful, violent miscreants and their two cheer leading laugh bags. They are the weak, they are the criminals.

So my friend, heal, be strong and know you have support from all of us here at DU. I want the criminals caught and prosecuted and I want you to move forward toward a future of what is possible and not a future of fear, anger or distrust. You did nothing wrong.......I repeat, there is nothing wrong with you, you did nothing wrong........To the family member.......thank you for sharing this with the community here at DU and for being in Damian's life, you are both very fortunate to be family.

One final note, I live in Los Angeles (Sherman Oaks actually) during the week, and also have a home down in Palm Springs CA for the weekends. If you guys ever want to visit, you have a place to stay in my home........4bdrms, pool/spa, mountains surround the home, very gay friendly. When my partner and I go anywhere in the Coachella/Palm Springs Valley, we are treated as a couple and with the respect we all deserve. So if you ever want to get away, you can make my home, your home. My personal email is: [e-mail] if you decide to write, please put DU in the heading so I will read it. All the best thoughts out to you and your family, and hopefully the two dangerous, violent criminals and their ladies of the night will be caught soon, prosecuted and incarcerated. Once they know fear, from spending some time in the prison system, maybe they will "think" twice before they commit a violent act upon an innocent citizen exiting a McDonalds.
Lou

[Taverner]

134. I'm sorry this happened, but I'm glad he survived

[Redford]

136. That is horrible

Some people are pigs.

[Beacool]

139. I just wanted to let you know that your friend's assault made it to the news.

It has caused outrage in NY and politicians are speaking out against this type of crime. The police are searching for the men who perpetrated the beating.

I saw your friend on the news and he looked better.

:)

[Downtown Hound]

141. Thank you.

[sakabatou]

142. Some people can be monsters

[hedgehog]

143. I never heard of Damien before this post, but he is my family, too.

Please tell him I am enraged that this happened to him.