02/26/2008
Gay Man Beaten in Ft Lauderdale After Telling Man 'Good Morning'
An ugly attack happened on Fort Lauderdale's Las Olas Boulevard on Saturday. Melbourne Brunner had finished a late night meal with his partner at the Floridian Restaurant when it happened, WSVN reports:
Brunner said he received the injuries from the stranger who walked by their table and targeted him for no other reason besides the fact that he is a gay man. Brunner said they tried to be cordial with the stranger when they first made eye contact. "He looked down at us, and my partner said, 'Good morning,' and that was it."Brunner recalled, moments later, the man returned visibly upset. "He just started with this barrage, of, 'Are you looking at me, you faggot? You know what I do to faggots? I break their necks!'"
After the verbal encounter, his partner and friend decided to ask for their check. They got up, left the restaurant and headed down the sidewalk to their car. That's when the attacker followed them and made his move. "As I was almost into the car, the guy had made it down the sidewalk and had reached inside and grabbed the edge of the door," explained Brunner. The verbal attack turned physical when Brunner stood up. "That's when he hit me, and I landed face-down on the concrete."
Mitchell Mart, the victim's partner, went to render aid to Brunner and noticed his injuries. "I came down the street to pick him up and put him in the car and saw he was badly injured," Mart said. "His forehead immediately swelled up, his eye closed, he was bleeding."
Mart tried to get the attacker's license tag number from his pickup truck, but the assailant went out of his way to keep it hidden. "He took off his shirt, covered his license plate, put down his tailgate," he said.
Brunner said the attacker then threatened them. "'I'll kill you before you get my tag number, you faggot!' and jumped in his car, rolled down the window and was screaming, 'That's right, run, faggots, run.'"
Brunner and his partner did get a good description of the vehicle and the attacker, however: "Authorities are looking for a newer model, four-door Toyota Tacoma with a metallic green color, chrome rims, a black roll bar and a black bed cover. The attacker is described as a white male, in his early 30s, with a muscular build, clean-cut hair, standing about 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet tall."
In related news, 17-year-old Simmie Williams was gunned down on Sistrunk Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale over the weekend while dressed in women's clothes. Authorities are still trying to determine the motive behind that attack.
Police search for man who attacked gay couple [wsvn]
Gay man attacked outside popular Fort Lauderdale eatery [sun-sentinel]
Posted 10:44 AM EST by Andy in Crime, Florida, Fort Lauderdale, News | Permalink
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We must fight back.
Posted by: JLS | Feb 26, 2008 11:23:27 AM
How did the attacker know they were gay? Just because two men were sitting together? What if they were brothers? Business partners? Co-workers? Cousins?
How did the attacker know they were gay?
Posted by: How? | Feb 26, 2008 11:23:46 AM
This is yet another example that you can’t let your guard down. Especially after someone has just threatened you. We should all learn how to protect ourselves and others in the gay community.
Posted by: 1♥ | Feb 26, 2008 11:46:59 AM
Andy, not a day has gone by recently that you have not posted some horrendous news item about a gay being attacked or killed.
I remember many years ago, [was it] "The Pink Panthers", the vigilante group that patrolled Greenwich Village and The Castro? In those days we [gays] were unified. How many more of these attacks will it take before we are unified again to stand up to these fuck-heads?
I will admit that when I read it happened in Florida, my gut responded with "Well, of course it did!", and I was glad that I moved out of that excrement of a state. But if this kind of garbage is not stopped there... where next?
Posted by: Rad | Feb 26, 2008 11:47:07 AM
HOW?,
This is a point I've tried to make to gay men over and over and over again. You don't have to be a fem or drag queen for a gay-bashing motha' fucka' to notice that you are gay. He's looking for crazy stereotypes such as "too clean and stylish" or "too much smiling between the two guys" Yes, it can be as crazy as that when you're dealing with a psychotic piece of misogynisric, hyper-masculine shit. THat's why I say that gay men who dislike/look down on those of us who don't obey (or even try to obey) gender role norms are almost as bad as the gay-bashers.
Whether you are like the Lady Bunny or Militia (from American Gladiator) or Matt Sanchez--we are all faggots to them!
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | Feb 26, 2008 11:51:50 AM
Well said Derrick.
Posted by: Will | Feb 26, 2008 11:55:57 AM
Derrick is dead on that we will never fully be able to fight back as a cultural sub group until we address the internal homophobia in the masc/femme wars.
Meanwhile, any time I go to a place I think I might be exposed to potential anti-gay bias...I'll be honest, I carry a knife. I will not hesitate to protect myself or a friend who is with me from some crazy homophobe who's probably just scared of what really makes his dick hard.
Posted by: Ben | Feb 26, 2008 11:56:48 AM
is there a gay man alive who hasn't had something like that happen? Maybe without the black eye, but it's pretty much the same "Hello" "are you lost?" "do you need help?" then the response "I hate fags."
Posted by: cd | Feb 26, 2008 11:58:59 AM
This is the Ken Hutcherson syndrome. Here is what that Asshole had to say. …Hutcherson was preaching on gender roles. During his sermon, Hutcherson stated, “God hates soft men” and “God hates effeminate men.” Hutcherson went on to say, “If I was in a drugstore and some guy opened the door for me, I’d rip his arm off and beat him with the wet end.”
“That was a joke,” Hutcherson said Friday, when asked about the comment. But it’s not really funny, is it?
via Queerty.
Posted by: Maverick69 | Feb 26, 2008 12:02:45 PM
While these types of incidents escalate, I feel idle and helpless even in the face of a hate crimes bill which seems wholy ineffectual.
Even though I do not necessarily advocate for organized violence, our communties haven't organized even non-violent protest effective enough to create a loud, unavoidable national discussion about this plight.
This is supposedly a land of freedom and during this election it is precient that this of all issues, not gay marriage be our LGBT national agenda.
Posted by: TOOBOOT | Feb 26, 2008 12:07:02 PM
I lived in south Florida for over 30 years and just recently moved. The Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area has become a sewer. I have never encountered so many hate filled, profane, rude, ignorant and violent people in my life. I had a concealed carry weapons permit and carried a handgun at all times when out and about. Being ex-military (USMC) I had no qualms about what would happen if I was ever assaulted and feared for my health or safety. The law in Florida is very clear on use of deadly force, and this man would have been fully justified in the shooting of his attacker. If attacked, I will fight back and do as much damage to my attacker as I can. Until gays start defending themselves these attacks will continue and escalate. Learn self-defense or learn to use a weapon. All too often these thugs know gay men or even men perceived to be gay are easy targets. When the victim strikes back and the basher ends up dead or bashed, these attacks will stop.
I have since moved, with my Hispanic partner, to a rural little town in the midwest. There is little, if any local gay life, but we're at the homesteading age now and it's no big deal. We have more gay friends here, I might add, than in Miami. What we have found is peace, quiet, gorgeous countryside and the adventure a natural environment offers. Most folks in our small town know our sexual orientation and don't care. We can go out without fear of assault or insult and are welcomed everywhere. My only regret is I didn't leave south Florida years ago. So, the bottom line is either learn to defend yourself, stay home or move to a less violent community.
Posted by: Bob R | Feb 26, 2008 12:28:58 PM
Puuuuullleeeeseee, number one at least he should have fought back in some way not just stand there and get your ass kicked. gouge out his eyes, kick him in the nuts, elbow to the face or nose. Christ quit being so fukin weak!!!!!! No wonder we told what we are. That we're lower than scum. You people are asking for permission to live. Not telling them if you cross my path I;ll fuck you up. Grow a fucking pair people.
Posted by: David | Feb 26, 2008 12:33:09 PM
Andy, keep us informed of any updates...like if they catch the bastard.
Posted by: John | Feb 26, 2008 12:43:09 PM
Sorry Derrick, but you're just guessing and assuming as to how this gay basher knew this couple was gay. We as gay people need to know facts - cold, hard facts - from this couple as to how the basher knew they were gay.
Posted by: How? | Feb 26, 2008 12:53:34 PM
I have to admit, I'm with the people who say learn some self-defense techniques or learn to use a weapon. Maybe it's the ex-military in me but soft targets are the easiest and most accessible ones. I've been a target in the past and believe me there's a reason no post on my attack has ever ended up here. I can also guarantee that jerk-off won't be attacking gay men in Asbury Park anytime real soon.
Posted by: JerzeeMike | Feb 26, 2008 1:13:13 PM
What's concerning is that these types of attacks are not just happening in FL. Here in Seattle there's been an increasing number of attacks on gay people, and indeed people perceived to be gay.
As some others have alluded to fighting back is the only option. I know this is going to be somewhat controversial...but...other minority groups don't get their asses kicked as they stand up for themselves. In fact, the stereotypical dumb white frat boy types avoid messing with some minorities specifically because they're scared they'll get their asses kicked. Sadly gay men (in particular) are perceived to be an easy target. The sooner this changes, the better.
Posted by: Gregus | Feb 26, 2008 1:13:33 PM
The attacker knew they were gay because the one that said 'good morning' probably cruised him or looked in his eyes a little too long. You know what I'm talking about so don't play...
Posted by: Pierre | Feb 26, 2008 1:23:38 PM
I agree with the other commentators but add that not only gay people but black people, women, anyone who could be targeted for violence because of who they are should know what to do in that kind of situation (which hasn't happened to me that bad thank God).
If you feel uncomfortable, you don't leave to your car. If someone is making threats to you, you stay where you are and call for a police escort (don't roll your eyes, not all police are homophobic). They will do that for you.
If that's impossible, you tell the restaurant owner that you would like an escort of some sort or for them to be removed from the establishment (the police will prolly be called if you ask so you might want to just skip this step.) If you can't do any of that, you carry protection. I don't know about a knife but pepper spray, a taser if it's legal.
However, violence for the sake at getting back at them is only gonna make it worse. You are just trying to stop the person before they kill you.
Posted by: junior | Feb 26, 2008 1:24:25 PM
"...-cold, hard facts-from this coulple as to how the basher knew they were gay."
From reading the article and Mr. Brunner's recollection of what happened, I'm not sure this gay couple knows why they were "assumed" to be gay and assaulted for it. Do you think Mr.Brunner left some information out of his story? Why would he do that? My point was that gay men who DO NOT fit any so-called stereotypical fem or queenie behavior are sometimes victims of anti-gay violence. Sometimes, "traditionally masculine" gay men ask why they were targeted, and there are possible answers. Those of us who look, walk, talk "stereotypical" already know why we get targeted. So, do you have any idea why this also happens to gay men who behave "appropriately masculine" in publc--'cause sometimes it does happen. How come, HOW?
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | Feb 26, 2008 1:24:33 PM
This is one of the main reasons why I started boxing about two years ago. I don't want to end up being a statistic. I'm the only gay guy in boxing class and work twice as hard as everyone else to prove that I'm not a weak faggot (and I'm not by any means).
I feel AWFUL for this guy. He didn't deserve this at all.
Posted by: Allen | Feb 26, 2008 1:31:51 PM
"...probably cruised him or looked into his eyes a little to long."
You're serious, aren't you? Well, I don't know about gay men, but I can tell you about fem gay males. When we have been minding our own business, trying to ignore the straight(or down low) piece of shit, but we encounter violence--we call that gay-bashing. When we cruise a piece of trade or "look at him too long" and it ends in violence--we call that "queen's stupidity" and we blame ourselves. The latter experience we never report to the police and maybe not even to other vicious homos.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | Feb 26, 2008 1:34:48 PM
I have to completely agree with the notion of fighting back. I know of far too many gay men who are not ready to defend themselves. I sometimes “feel” that gay men want to be above violence and that is not a responsible response to violence. It is important that you feel.
While we are at the gym getting in shape it is important to learn how to defend ourselves. For those of us not at the gym, rent a DVD or take a course at a local center. This is something that we should be asking the "straight men" in our lives about. It is a much needed thing to engage in self-defense techniques to ensure the safety of others and ourselves.
Here is a link to a great video series online:
http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/81_self-defense.htm
Posted by: Charles | Feb 26, 2008 1:37:13 PM
Any gay person who pays taxes is a fool.
Posted by: John | Feb 26, 2008 1:45:23 PM
Considering the antics of mayor Jim Naugle of Ft Lauderdale, can anyone be surprised? He's set the tone for his city to be specifically anti-gay.
Moreover, can anyone expect the police in Ft Lauderdale to do anything but sit and pick their noses over this one? Consider the direction they're getting from the top down.
It's horrible to be sure, and another sad example of how the whole tone of a city can be set badly.
Posted by: spatula | Feb 26, 2008 1:46:12 PM
Why do we need to know how the basher knew they were gay?
Frankly, the only justification for that question would be "so we can avoid acting like that ourselves."
In other words, doing exactly what the homophobe terrorist wants us to do: Change our behavior because of their attack. I'm not gonna do that. And gay-bashings are terrorist attacks: they're meant to affect not just the individual victim (isolated, random), but the whole community, and we're collaborating with them if we allow them to do that.
To be honest, I'm also troubled by the criticism that the victims should "grow a pair" and learn to fight back. Fight violence with violence? That shouldn't be necessary, and the victims shouldn't be criticized for dealing with the situation the way they did.
Posted by: Kevinvt | Feb 26, 2008 1:49:08 PM
I'll have to agree that self-defense is the key here. We have to let potential bashers know that before we are Gay, we are MEN, and they should not get it twisted!
As for fighting violence with violence, are you supposed to just stand there helpless while some bully throws a punch which could then cause you to fall and hit your on the curb, killing you (true story - Mission St., San Francisco, about 5 years ago)?
Self-defense is a right. Learn it. Use it. Don't abuse it.
Posted by: banjiboi | Feb 26, 2008 2:14:20 PM
Sure it happens all over, but a day without antigay or antitrans bigotry in Florida is like a day without sunshine.
In addition to the insanity of Ft. Lauderdale’s mayor, there was the incident at their airport last year with antigay shit being spewed over the public address system, and there is the Coral Ridge Presbyterian church empire that continues to underwrite its budget by verbal gay bashing even after its psychopathic founder recently died.
AND MOST OF ALL, remember that it was JUST A YEAR AGO THIS MONTH—a week after black retired pro basketball player John Amaechi became the first former NBA player to say he was gay—that black former Miami Heat and five time All Star basketball player Tim Hardaway said on a Miami radio program that I guarantee you is heard in Ft. Lauderdale where this man was attacked and Simmie Williams Jr., was murdered that he would not want a gay player on his team, and, worse:
"You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known. I don't like gay people and I don't like to be around gay people. I am homophobic. I don't like it. IT SHOULDN'T BE IN THE WORLD OR IN THE UNITED STATES."
His outrageous remarks were then picked up by newspapers and TV news shows in Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, all across Florida, and nationally, and internationally.
Afterwards, Amaechi told ESPN:
"Every comment that [Hardaway] made is labeled with hate. The percentage of e-mails I've received overnight that are going to have to go into a little box somewhere just in case I end up dead are unbelievable. He's been a lightning rod for people to finally open the floodgates and decide that they can say some pretty awful stuff. I will say this about the Tim Hardaway comments and the comments of people like him ... these are the loud comments that pollute the air. These are the comments that create the atmosphere that allow some of the tragic incidents of homophobia that we've seen. This is what makes the lives of gay and lesbian young people in schools miserable. It's what stops gay and lesbian people in the workplace from coming out as well as the fact they can be fined in 33 states for being gay. These are part of the problem."
A month later, Ryan Keith Skipper, 25, died after being stabbed twenty times, his body dumped along side a road in Central Florida. His murder, and those of others in Florida and across the country inspired the creation of the Gay American Heroes Foundation by Scott Hall to educate the non-LGBT public about hate crimes including the murders of transgenders Brandon Teena and Gwen Araujo and Julio Argueta.
Two years before Skipper’s murder, Julio, 28, was stabbed repeatedly and found in a pool of blood begging for help, dying later at a Miami hospital. Another Florida victim the same year was 3-yr. old Ronnie Paris, accidentally beaten to death by his father in an attempt to “toughen him up so he wouldn’t turn out to be gay.” He was discovered in a coma while his parents were in Bible study class.
IF YOU WANT TO HELP STOP ANTI-LGBT VIOLENCE, even a small donation to the foundation’s efforts to educate the public about the ultimate harvest of the seeds of homo and trans hatred would help!
The foundation’s advisors Frank Kameny. Chip Arndt is one of its cofounders, and honorary board members include Andy, Chad Allen, Cyndi Lauper, Sgt. Eric Alva, Alan Cumming, Monica Taher, Billy Bean, Barrney Frank, Robert Gant, and Christopher Rice. John Amaechi was the guest of honor at a foundation fundraiser in LA.
“All people who live honestly about their sexual orientation or gender identity are heroic, as it takes great strength and courage to face the daily struggles for personal freedom in the face of enormous opposition; to ultimately give their life for said freedom makes them—HEROES.”
http://www.gayamericanheroes.net/
Skipper’s family will be at an unveiling of a model of their traveling exhibit at a special NGLTF Winter Party event in Miami on February 29th.
http://www.gayamericanheroes.net/events.html
http://www.miamiherald.com/tropical_life/story/428582.html
The numbers and names of those they memorialize keep increasing. Lawrence King, and, now, Simmie Williams Jr., join those mentioned and Matthew Shepard, Michael Sandy, Scotty Joe Weaver, Sean Kennedy, Billy Jack Gaither, and some 600 known others.
“To be nothing but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you into everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight, and can never stop fighting.”- EE Cummings
Posted by: Michael Bedwell | Feb 26, 2008 2:37:21 PM
My friend who bought a condo there constantly (and delusionally) raved about how Fort Lauderdale was set to become the new South Beach.
Fort Lauderdale is a white trash hell hole.
Posted by: stevo | Feb 26, 2008 2:48:36 PM
I personally think you need to learn to defend yourself. You have to take care of you. No one else will.
Posted by: Allen | Feb 26, 2008 3:02:37 PM
Just a few weeks ago some people posting on Towleroad chastized a man for calling 911 "just" because he and others were being verbally assaulted by a group of men and women (including, according to the police report, Brady Quinn) who were becoming increasingly agitated.
I guess they feel it's only appropriate to call 911 AFTER a person has had the shit beaten out of them.
Posted by: Zeke | Feb 26, 2008 3:20:52 PM
Just a few weeks ago some people posting on Towleroad chastized a man for calling 911 "just" because he and others were being verbally assaulted by a group of men and women (including, according to the police report, Brady Quinn) who were becoming increasingly agitated.
I guess they feel it's only appropriate to call 911 AFTER a person has had the shit beaten out of them.
Posted by: Zeke | Feb 26, 2008 3:22:48 PM
Yeah, that guy certainly had an ugly attack.
Posted by: larry | Feb 26, 2008 4:06:54 PM
I REALLY hope they catch this guy. I hope the victims caught at least a partial on the hater's tags before he pulled off.
Please keep us posted if the guy is caught!
There is a really heated debate going on this discussion board about defending ourselves and about how this hater knew the couple was gay.
As far as self-defense goes, yeah, that's nice, we should all learn to defend ourselves. I'll chalk that right up there with quitting smoking and eating healthier, too. I can't believe someone said "grow a pair!" Hah. It's easy to say that if it were YOU in the given situation, YOU would have kicked his ass, maced him, shot him, YOU would have called a police escort before leaving your table, YOU would have done this and that and the other and this never would have been you. I have a tendency to make those same kinds of statements. But, when it really is you in this situation, see how quickly your brain reacts when you become afraid and your hands start trembling and your face is flushed from embarrassment and all of a sudden you've forgotten the self defense moves you were taught in the few classes you've taken, and you sure as hell don't have a concealed weapon on you because really, who does, and even if you did you'd be too nervous and freaked out to use it. The truth is, when this shit happens you are going to be lucky if you get away unharmed. The hater in this story was crazy enough to attack a party of THREE people. Self-defense is nice but please, don't blame the fucking victims here.
And as to how the man knew they were gay, who gives a flying fuck? Maybe he just assumed. Maybe, GOD FORBID, one of them checked him out. Not. Relevant.
Posted by: Lucas | Feb 26, 2008 4:25:20 PM
@ LUCAS
You made an excellent point about one's initial shock and reaction to a random attack. However, women take self-defense classes and are taught how to respond quickly and effectively. That's what good self-defense training teaches you.
If the ladies can do it, I know we Nervous Nellies can learn to do the same, lol!
And I hope by no means that my comments implied that the victims deserved what happened to them. I am aware that not only did they not anticipate it, they were also in an extremely vulnerable position. I cannot assume what really happened that day on a minute-by-minute basis, and I'm sure they are both extremely traumatized by this horrible incident, and my heart goes out to them.
Speaking only for myself, I'd like to be prepared as much as I can for the possibility of such an attack. Just NYC thinking I guess.
Posted by: banjiboi | Feb 26, 2008 5:09:55 PM
I have three words about this: Concealed weapon permit!
I disagree with Lucas that planning to learn self defense is up there with quitting smoking and eating healthier. Not doing those things will kill you slowly. Not knowing how to defend yourself will kill you in an instant.
I've made the attempt to learn a few self defense "moves" simply to get me OUT of a dangerous situation. I have no interest in proving my manliness by trying to recreate a scene out the Bourne movies.
But I have had a concealed weapon permit in Florida for over six years for exactly this sort of thing. I know how to use a firearm and how NOT to use a firearm.
I suggest more of us in Florida and other "carry" states learn too.
I completely agree with "Bob R" that attacks like this will continue to occur as long as attackers think they can get away with it.
I have a Glock 9MM for guys like this. By no means am I 'waiting' to use it...but I am most definitely WILLING to use it.
Posted by: Patrick W. | Feb 26, 2008 5:29:37 PM
I understand that you don't know what you're going to do in this situation until it happens but I agree with the poster who talked about women's self-defense habits, women I know prepare! And if you prepare for bad situations you may not use what you learned or that weapon in your car's glove compartment, but it's certainly better than being unprepared and taken by surprise.
Posted by: junior | Feb 26, 2008 5:35:04 PM
Miami-Dade and Broward officials want us to believe that they are gay-friendly. Bulls**t. They are turning out to be most antigay places in America. I live in Miami Beach and have seen gays insulted on the streets because they look gay. The old friendly times are gone. I suggest to all gays if you value your life to stay away from Miami and Broward counties (Miami Beach and Ft. Lauderdale are the worse). The county officials want your dollars and don't give a damn about your security. Most police and sheriff personnel are homophobic and make no effort to disguise it. They hate gays and certainly they let you know it. I unfortunately can't move out because of persanal reasons otherwise I would get my ass out of here PRONTO. Wise up guys. Miami-Dade and Broward counties do not want us and do not protect us. Come here and you put your life on the line.
Posted by: Oscar | Feb 26, 2008 6:13:42 PM
There have been three murders so far this year and who knows how many beatings. The rate will very likely jump, if the past is any indication, by 10% to 15% just because it’s an election year.
During election periods everyone seems to gang up on us,. As they always do the christians and other hate groups are ramping up their hate campaign in their churches and on TV and radio. The Republicans, as usual, are going to scapegoat us and lie about our agenda for equality. And the Democrats, as usual, are running away from us as fast as their little legs will carry them. To prevent the Republicans from claiming that they’re GLBT friendly they gutted ENDA and then flushed it and the Matthew Sheppard Hate Crimes Bill down the toilet. And as always, the Democrats refuse to repeal Billarys DOMA and DADT.
Their actions send a message about us that street thugs hear loud and clear, and it’s a message that emboldened the thugs who butchered Lawrence King, Sanesha Stewart and Simmie Williams. The thugs know that they have friends in high places; priests and pastors who say that their mythical god hates us, Democrats who’ve washed their hands of us to that the bigots won’t think they support our agendas (as if) and Republicans willing to let a few more of us die to get catholic, baptist and mormon votes. They’re all despicable.
We have a long time till November and we’ll have to watch each others backs because it’s obvious that the christians, the Republicans and the Democrats don’t give a rat’s ass about us.
Posted by: Bill Perdue | Feb 26, 2008 6:32:52 PM
Okay people. Fort Lauderdale is hardly the perfect place to live. It is not the arm pit of the world either. I am a San Fransisco native. Came of age in Manhattan (NYC) and Fire Island and now I live in Victoria Park a few blocks away from "The Floridain". When I moved from NYC to Lauderdale in 2000 this town seemed a bit calmer. For the most part it is a really nice, gay friendly town. It is not South Beach and will never be South Beach, don't expect it to be South Beach. South Beach, isn't even South Beach anymore. We, as a community, don't really want that. This is surely a town with growing pains. A lot of people have made more than conscious descisions to move here from other gay friendly places around the country and world. If my partner and I decide to move away, it surely wont be to the Casper, WY. All by ourselves, relegated to garden parties and backyard BBQ's. Yes, in anytown, fight back. Don't take a back seat to your own safty. Talk with your friends and communities about a mutual plan of attack if something like this happens. Pull out your iPhone and snap a picture of that obvious black Tacoma with silver pin striping. Ask for help. Call the police. If I am sitting at the Floridan and I see someone in need I will help and I expect my community will do the same for me.
NYC 101: walk with purpose, keep your gaurd up and nobody will f**K with you. I'm living proof.
Posted by: Ken | Feb 26, 2008 6:38:30 PM
I think a lot of people here are forgetting that most anti-gay attacks a perpetrated on an individual, unarmed gay person by a GROUP of ARMED men (sometimes mixed with women) . Most attacks on women are not. Self-defense courses are generally helpful when you have a single assailant but they aren't so effective when a person is surprise attacked by a gang of armed men.
I am a second degree black belt in Shotokan Karate. I teach karate and self-defense classes. I also have a number of years of military training. Even with this knowledge, training and experience I don't think I would be a match for a group of armed men who wished to do me harm.
My best advice is to travel in GROUPS whenever possible.
Posted by: Zeke | Feb 26, 2008 7:31:18 PM
For all you jerks who are saying Melbourne Brunner must have cruised the guy (and therefore deserved it), FYI the restaurant, The Floridian, is a known gay hang out. The guy who beat Mr. Brunner up went there looking for a couple of fags to beat up. It was NOT just a random attack.
Oh, and by the way, FUCK YOU!!!
If I or anyone else makes eye contact or hits on a straight (or closet case) it doesn't give them the right to beat the crap out of me (or you). If they aren't interested, all they have to do is what straight women have been doing since the dawn of time, say "Sorry, you're not my type." and then walk away.
Posted by: Wheezy | Feb 26, 2008 8:15:07 PM
P.S. Buy a gun, learn to use it, aim for the nuts.
Carry on.
Posted by: Wheezy | Feb 26, 2008 8:16:18 PM
At 3AM Saturday morning in the Floridian, most of the clientele, or at least half will be gay, "visibly" or not. As is the waitstaff. Saturday was two days off a full moon, and many snowbirds are here. This is not typical of that neighborhood nor that restaurant - why was that lunatic there if he did not like "faggots?" Insane.
I would have called the police in the restaurant, who would have been glad to deal with him, after he made a threat with witnesses in a public place. The police here are as sensitive with gay issues as any other, which is not really a complement per-se, but violence / hate-filled threats of violence against peaceful residents during tourist season is taken seriously. When their attention is turned to you you do not want to screw with the Ft.Lauderdale police, nor BSO. I understand the urge to just leave, I was not there.
I know Melbourne and his partner, and am very happy he is still alive and it was not worse - maniacs attacking can be much worse. They were for sure no more or less 'gay' nor 'cruising' the lunatic than anybody else at the restaurant. Yet Melbourne isn't one to take any shit either, hence the ambush later. Shooting the dude after the fact, while actually technically kinda legal here in Florida is still problematic. Always easy to armchair quarterback an assault after-the-fact...
Posted by: James | Feb 26, 2008 8:50:46 PM
Well lets see the crazy ass Mayor did his hate campaign last year - and this year we have gay murders and beatings .... he has encouraged this and should be charged for inciting this behavior. Dont visit Fort Lauderale (the beach is ugly now with ugly "high end" LOL buildings and it has lost ALL it's character anyway. Cathode Ray wisely closed. So have the dance clubs. Many moving to Wilton Manors. I do feel bad for the guest house owners --- but they soon will sell as that neighborhood gets the full highrise condo treatment. Fort Lauderdale is over. Long Live WILTON MANORS.
Posted by: rjp3 | Feb 27, 2008 7:01:50 AM
I agree with WHEEZY 100%!
I've heard over and over from people who claim to support us and our right to exist, then in the same stupid breath ask 'But why do have to flaunt it? Why do gay men throw themselves at straight guys when they know we don't like it?'
??!!!!!!??
This crap makes my head explode. Are hetero's flaunting it when they kiss on the street? Should construction worker pigs who hoot at passing women have the shit kicked out of them, or be killed?
As a gay man, hell, as a human being, I have the right to flirt with any damn body I want to. Yes, staring too long at a guy who clearly doesn't like it may be asking for trouble, but it still doesn't give him the right to assault me (or attempt to).
Yes, it's time to get radical. It's time the gay-bashers got bashed. Carry mace, a tazer, or just some blunt object in your pocket ... and the next time some asshole puts his hands on you, then you crack his skull open. Don't stop to ponder, just crack his nut.
And then call 911 and tell them exactly why he deserved it.
Posted by: Taylor Siluwe | Feb 27, 2008 9:35:41 AM
It's bad enough being attacked for the sole reason of one's sexuality, in a 'straight-identified' environment. For me, personally, it was way worse when, I, as a gay man, was 'verbally attacked' and almost 'escorted to the door' of a gay bar, TWIST, in SOBE, after exiting a 2nd floor men's room, only to run into a security guard, whose back was to me, and who I tried to keep from crashing butt first into me, by holding out my hand. He turned around yelling at me "I'm straight! You need to leave now!" I was shocked that a security guard in a gay bar would: a) be upset someone had touched him, even though my touch was inadvertent and defensive; and b) take out his homophobia on a gay patron of a gay bar. He then kept yelling at me, saying "You touched me in an inappropriate place, dude...and you've now gotta leave!"...By the time we both got to the bottom of the stairs, I think the idiot realized he had made a mistake, and was all like "It's cool...I'm not gay...I just thought you were trying to hit on me!" What a world we live in! OY!
Posted by: jimmy | Feb 27, 2008 2:22:17 PM
"Yes, it's time to get radical. It's time the gay-bashers got bashed. Carry mace, a tazer, or just some blunt object in your pocket ... and the next time some asshole puts his hands on you, then you crack his skull open. Don't stop to ponder, just crack his nut."
a good portable weapon is one of those little plastic & tin, usually yellow, exacto-knives that are the size of a silver dollar. They're meant for opening boxed goods and are very cheap, usually come in a set with two or three larger knives for a buck @ Dollar Tree/Store. Unless you slash a major artery, it won't kill anyone but it will hurt bad if used effectively.
Posted by: Matt | Feb 27, 2008 11:27:07 PM
Homophobia is now the only accepted prejudice in America. It is sick and yet, our Governmental Officials do little, or nothing to address the problem.
Posted by: Scarffster | Mar 2, 2008 2:35:57 PM