04/15/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Glennda Testone, the Executive Director of the NYC LGBT Community Center sent out an email describing this disturbing crime against the center, which serves as both a social and cultural focal point for the LGBT community in New York. Please read her first hand account of the event below:

Hello Center Supporters,
I am writing to tell you about a disturbing incident that happened at the Center. This morning our building staff arrived and discovered a burned rainbow flag hanging on one of the poster display cases outside our building. We called the NYPD, and they immediately dispatched detectives from the hate crimes unit and our local precinct. We also contacted the Anti-Violence Project, and the crime is currently under investigation.

We at the Center strive everyday to be a safe space for our community and a beacon of inclusion and hope for the entire city. It is sad that these incidents still happen in this day and age, but rest assured we will do everything in our power to make sure our community is safe. We have contacted our elected officials and are working closely with them to raise awareness in our community and to unite together against this hate-fueled action.

Most importantly, we will not stand for anyone who thinks they can come to the Center and try to intimidate us. Hate and intolerance against LGBT New Yorkers will not be accepted, and we as a community must stand strong and together in the face of these hateful incidents. We are asking anyone who has additional information about this crime to contact the police directly at 1-800-577-TIPS.
Thank you all for your continued support.
For more information and photos please visit our website.
Sincerely,
Glennda Testone

 Please support the center. Sometimes New Yorkers become complacent. We live in such a large pool of people and experience acceptance from so many great people, that we forget that there are still homophobes out there and that there are still violent hate crimes against the LGBT community. This attack on the heart of the NYC LGBT community it a harsh reminder that the battle is far from over.

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