Yesterday, AVP learned of two appalling hate violence incidents that occurred this past weekend in Chelsea and at the historic Stonewall Inn. “Even a bar like the Stonewall Inn, which plays an integral part in the modern gay rights movement, is not immune to this sort of violence," said Sharon Stapel, Executive Director of the New York City Anti-Violence Project. “We will not allow perpetrators of anti-LGBTQ violence to come into our communities and target us. Today we send a strong message that our communities will not be intimidated by this violence and that we will stand up in the face of it and demand equality and respect. This is a wake-up call for every New Yorkers. We all have a responsibility to end this culture of violence against LGBTQ people, which has become so apparent in recent weeks.”

 Read the full text of the community alert.