The LGBT Community Responds in Solidarity!

Posted on April 21, 2010, 11:31 AM, by Glennda Testone, under Advocacy.

Torched Rainbow Flag

As many of you know, on the morning of April 14, 2010 the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center staff arrived to find a torched rainbow flag draped on the front of our building. This act of hate must not be tolerated! Actions like this are menacing to our community and, if not addressed, can lead to an environment that allows more heinous acts, such as verbal attacks, property damage and physical violence. Showing our solidarity now will empower our community and send a message to the public that we will not be intimidated or threatened.

Cowardly acts of hateful speech must be responded to with acts of courage and unity.

The Center has partnered with City Council Speaker, Christine C. Quinn, New York City Comptroller, John Liu, Rainbow Flag’s creator, Gilbert Baker and other elected officials in conjunction with other organizations to bring together our community and unfurl a new 20 foot long flag that will drape the building.

Today, on Wednesday, April 21st at 5PM we will gather together as one to prove that we will not sit idly by while our home is threatened. We invite our straight allies to stand with us to demonstrate that LGBT safety and rights are not just an issue for LGBT people. Our city is strong and we need to come together to show that we cannot be intimidated.

Please join us and demonstrate the true power of community!

When: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at 5PM
Where: In front of The LGBT Community Center, 208 W 13th Street, Manhattan

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. The Center is visited over 300,000 times every year by people in search of support, safety and transformation. 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.