I was angered and deeply disturbed when I heard someone would go to such great lengths to burn a rainbow flag and pin it to the outside of the building. “The act of hate demonstrated outside the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center in the Village is unacceptable. Statement from Council Speaker Christine C. As an out and proud member of this community and patron of the LGBT Center, I will do everything in my power to ensure that the Center remains a safe space.” I am grateful that the New York Police Department is taking this incident seriously and will make every effort to catch the culprit and bring them to justice. Leaving a burned pride flag at the symbolic doorstep of our community is an act of intimidation that should be condemned by every New Yorker. “I am appalled by the recent hate crime incident at the LGBT Community Center.
I commend the NYPD for its swift response to this incident and for appropriately treating it as a hate crime.” As a proud cosponsor of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which was signed into law last fall, I deeply believe that there is no place in our society for such hateful treatment of human beings, especially not for their sexual orientation or gender identity. “Burning a rainbow flag and placing it in front of the Center’s entrance is a cowardly act clearly intended to intimidate members of the LGBT community. “I was appalled to learn of the recent hate crime at the LGBT Center,” said Congressman Nadler. I urge anyone with information about this despicable act to contact the NYPD at 1-800-577-TIPS.” The burning of a rainbow flag – a proud symbol of the LGBT movement – should be taken as seriously as if the American flag had been desecrated. “This hate crime perpetrated against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center is a cowardly attempt at intimidation, and it will not be tolerated. Statement from Manhattan Borough President Scott M. We’re the most diverse place anywhere on the planet, but we’re unified against anyone who tries to attack because of who other people are.” “New York City, which itself is a symbol for hope and opportunity worldwide, takes symbols of hate very seriously.
GAY FLAG BURNING HOW TO
Where: In front of The LGBT Community Center, 208 W 13th Street, Manhattanįor questions or how to help, please contact Jeffrey Klein at from Mayor Michael R. Please join us and demonstrate the true power of community! Our city is strong and we need to come together to show that we cannot be intimidated. We invite our straight allies to stand with us to demonstrate that LGBT safety and rights are not just an issue for LGBT people. On Wednesday, April 21st at 5:00 pm we will gather together as one to prove that we will not sit idly by while our home is threatened. The Center has partnered with Gilbert Baker, the Rainbow Flag’s creator, as well as many elected officials and other organizations to bring together our community and unfurl a new 20 foot long flag that will drape the building. More than 1,000 young people come through our doors annually searching for acceptance and a place where they feel comfortable expressing their true selves.Ĭowardly acts of hateful speech must be responded to with acts of courage and unity. The Center is visited over 300,000 times every year by people in search of support, safety and transformation.
The Center is a beacon of safety and hope for LGBT New Yorkers and our building stands as an emblem of our community’s presence in the city.