Barbara Migdal sent in the photo above of a memorial on a wall next to steps at 84th street, showcasing pictures of victims in the Orlando massacre.
Even as many Upper West Siders reach out to support the LGBT community and remember victims following the attack in Orlando, there have also been troubling reports of hateful acts. In Hell’s Kitchen, someone posted threatening anti-gay notes on car windshields, with messages like “”God commanded Jewish people to 1) Kill the homosexuals 2) Kill the witches among us,” and “America is a Christian nation. Satan will not be a king in N.Y.C. — might be the end of Homosexuality in N.Y.C.” The NYPD’s hate crimes task force is investigating.
On the Upper West Side, one resident told us she was pushed and called names on Tuesday morning just after 9 on West End Ave between 82nd and 83rd.
“I was walking down the sidewalk when a large white man in his thirties stepped right in front of me with his back to me; no big deal, happens all the time so I said “excuse me” and scooted by him just barely grazing his shirt with my shirt (right now the sidewalk area there is divided and made smaller because of the scaffolding). He pushed/hit me so hard I almost fell down and asked me what the fuck I thought I was doing. He then proceeded to call me a dyke and told me that I should go to Orlando. This is, of course, two days after the devastating massacre at a gay club in that city. I was dumbfounded. I still am. I don’t expect that kind of garbage here in NYC- and especially not on the Upper West. I worry that this is a bellwether of things to come, of greater intolerance and violence even as there is a swelling of support. I’ve been called a dyke countless times in my life, but this encounter had a different kind of casualness, vulgarity, and threat to it.”
She said she wanted to let neighbors, although she was not sure if she will file a police report about it.
I was saddened to hear of this incident involving one of our neighbors. We all stand together in opposition to such acts of hate. We are strong and we are supportive.
Most people are decent. It’s the lousy few looking to explain their lousy selves through their hatred that get make the news. But the decent are everywhere.
I am so sorry you had to experience that. Don’t let that sad excuse excuse of a human affect you in any way. You have more friends and supporters on the UWS than you know. #lovewins!
I’m very sorry this happened. This is unacceptable and indignant. As dannyboy mentioned, there are far more decent people than garbage like you unfortunately came across. I understand the reluctance to report this incident to the police but I believe this type of behavior should be nipped at the bud.
One of our political parties spews venom against gay people. Sometimes is outright hateful and at other times it’s couched in attempts at kindness (e.g. religious freedom, family values, etc).
Can you guess which party that is?
She should definitely report this assault as a hate crime to the police.
That’s terrible! That kind of behavior should not be tolerated. I’m hoping my fellow Westsiders will speak up in defense of anyone who is threatened in any way. What is wrong with people?
I’m also sorry this happened – but why wouldn’t someone file a police report after this?
If it isn’t reported, it didn’t happen (at least officially).
Why wouldn’t someone report this? Because it eats up enough of your time and energy just jamming you up and pissing you off- never mind dealing with the cops- many of whom have also harassed you for being a “dyke.” Because stuff like this happens a lot to many of us. Because after all these years, I’m really tired honestly.
I’m heartened by the responses here and am so happy to see more people speaking up. Thanks for all the support.
Meb, always take good care of yourself (advice I give to my grown children). You decide what is best for you (and no one else can make that decision for you).
Most people will support you.
Mark hit the nail on the head. Their debate was nothing but name calling, insults and bullying, the only thing missing was a physical confrontation. No wonder bullying, hate and ignorance are becoming more prevalent in this country. And to think there were children watching those “debates”. A true national disgrace.
Sorry Mark & Joe. No one is more discriminatory, bigoted and hypocritical than Progressives.
Really? Absolutely no one? Not a single person in the world?
You’re kidding, right?
Please report this incident to the police, neighbor. So sorry it happened to you but appreciate your resolve in standing up against such Intolerance.
My Muslim cleaning lady from Sudan,
had a guy come up to here and bump really
hard into her shoulders so she started to cry. Crazy.
Crazy.
Please report this it is necessary for you, for all. I’m so sorry you had to go through this. It’s heart breaking. Beautiful support here, and as one individual shared love wins. Again, please report this.