AVP has learned of an anti-LGBTQ sexual violence incident and assault that took place in Ridgewood, Queens at about 4am on Saturday morning, November 24. According to NYPD sources cited by the New York Post, two individuals physically and sexually assaulted a 26-year old gender non-conforming person near 70th Street and 70th Avenue. The survivor was treated for injuries at a local hospital.
AVP is currently reaching out to the NYPD, the office of New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, the Queens District Attorney’s office, Queens-based community organizations, and media outlets to follow up on this incident. We have also reached out to GLAAD about the offensive language directed at a gender non-conforming member of our community used by the New York Post in their Police Blotter on November 27, 2012. We will keep you informed of developments and ways to take action.
AVP encourages you to report violence you experience or witness to our 24-hour bilingual (English/Spanish) hotline at 212.714.1141 where you can speak with a trained counselor and seek support, or you can report violence anonymously online via our website. AVP’s Sexual Violence Support Group will also begin shortly after the New Year. For more information, please contact Yesenia Gorbea at 212.714.1184 x 47.
