New York
Czech Foreign Minister opposes Moms for Liberty Manhattan event
“I do not agree with the event, the activities of this organization do not correspond to the interests of Czech foreign policy”
NEW YORK – The Czech National Building, known as the Bohemian National Hall in New York City, leased a meeting space to Moms for Liberty, a Southern Poverty Law Center listed extremist organization for an event on January 18, which has drawn opposition from the Czech Foreign Minister.
In a statement to Prague-based Czech media outlet Seznam ZprĆ”vy, Foreign Minister Jan LipavskĆ½ said: “I do not agree with the event, the activities of this organization do not correspond to the interests of Czech foreign policy, and if it were up to me, it would never have taken place on the grounds of the Czech national building.”
Known as the Bohemian National Hall, (Czech: ÄeskĆ” nĆ”rodnĆ budova), the five story building located at 321 East 73rd Street on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City, is a mix of office and meeting spaces along with its famed Grand Ballroom and is owned by the Czech government.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further stated to Seznam ZprƔvy and American media outlets, the event is not an expression of the position of the Consulate General in New York, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Czech Republic.
“This is an event realized on the basis of a commercial lease of the premises of the building by the expatriate organization Bohemian Benevolent and Literary Association (BBLA) as lessor. The Consulate General was not informed in advance of the conclusion of this lease agreement between BBLA and Moms for Liberty,ā the ministry said.
The January 18 event also drew the ire of U.S. Representative Jerry Nadler, whose congressional district includes the Upper West Side, represented by Nadler since the 1990s, the Upper East Side, and all of Midtown Manhattan.
Speaking to New York City community news website the Upper East Side, the congressman said: “There is no place for hate or religious extremism in New York.”
Despite their catchy name, Moms for Liberty is nothing more than an alt-right hate group vilifying the LGBTQ+ community.
— Rep. Nadler (@RepJerryNadler) January 8, 2024
There is no place for hatred or bigotry in New York, which is why Iām deeply troubled by their planned event on the Upper East Side.
We cannot allow thisā¦ https://t.co/8arbHzYnAF
Openly gay New York state Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal tweeted:
To the Prime Minister of the #CzechRepublic
@P_Fiala: I urge you to reconsider hosting #MomsforLiberty, a far right and anti- #LGBTQ extremist group, at the Czech Consulate in NYC on January 18
cc: @CzechMFA; @splcenter
šØTo the Prime Minister of the #CzechRepublic @P_Fiala:
— Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (@bradhoylman) January 3, 2024
I urge you to reconsider hosting #MomsforLiberty, a far right and anti- #LGBTQ extremist group, at the Czech Consulate in NYC on January 18 ā¬ļø
cc: @CzechMFA; @splcenter pic.twitter.com/H6RTDUWiUD
The right-wing blogsite Daily Signal, owned by the anti-LGBTQ+ Heritage Foundation reported:
Moms for Liberty co-founder Tiffany Justice responded to harsh criticism from Manhattanās borough president, who attacked the parental rights group ahead of a town hall-style event later this month. Mark Levine, the borough president, said Wednesday [Jan. 03, 2024] that Moms for Liberty āhas no place hereā after he learned about the event.
āThis group is anti-LGBTQ, supports book bans, harasses teachers & school librarians, and has been labeled by the SPCLC as a āfar right extremist organization,āā Levine wrote in a statement. āManhattan is the home of Stonewall,ā he added.
Statement: pic.twitter.com/ofoSoIXtdo
— Mark D. Levine (@MarkLevineNYC) January 3, 2024
Justice responded by asking whether Levine would ālike to join usā at the town hall. As for the claims that Moms for Liberty is āanti-LGBTQ,ā Justice said one of the groupās top leaders is lesbian, the organization has gay chapter chairs, and some chapter chairs have gay kids, the Daily Signal noted.
Moms for Liberty got its start pushing back against COVID-era school policies in Florida in 2021 later expanding to over 400 chapters across the U.S. pushing anti-LGBTQ and racial book bans, trans outing policies, and other far right extremist policies.
In recent months the group has been plagued by scandals including a sex scandal in Florida by one of its co-founders and her husband, a chapter affiliated member in Tennessee being arrested for retail theft, and its chapter in Indiana which used Adolf Hitler’s quote “He who has the young generation wins the future” in one of its newsletters, as reported by the Associated Press.
Then, as first reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Moms for Liberty Philadelphia chapterās former faith-based outreach coordinator and a local pastor is also a convicted sex offender stemming from a 2012 felony conviction for aggravated sexual abuse of a 14-year-old boy in Illinois.
New York
New York AG Letitia James sued by transphobic county exec
“You cannot discriminate against a person because of their gender identity or expression. We have no room for hate or bigotry in New Yorkā
MINEOLA, N.Y. – Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced Wednesday in a press conference that he has filed a lawsuit against New York Attorney General Letitia James defending his transphobic executive order barring the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Museums from issuing permits to any womenās or girlsā sports team with transgender players.
On March 1st, Attorney General JamesĀ sent a order of cease and desist to Blakeman demanding that the Republican Nassau County Executive rescind his February 22 directive within five days or else face additional legal actions.Ā
“The law is perfectly clear: you cannot discriminate against a person because of their gender identity or expression. We have no room for hate or bigotry in New York,ā theĀ Attorney General wrote. āThis executive order is transphobic and blatantly illegal. Nassau County must immediately rescind the order, or we will not hesitate to take decisive legal action.āĀ
In his filing in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, the Nassau County Executive argues that New York State Human Rights Law does not extend to transgender people. The suit also cites the 14th Amendment claiming theĀ ācease and desistā letterĀ issued by the Attorney General violates the U.S. Constitutionās “equal protectionā clause, which is enshrined in theĀ 14th Amendment.
According to the Office of the Attorney General: “Under New York law, it is illegal to discriminate against an individual based on their sex or gender identity or expression. In addition to violating basic civil and human rights, the executive order will impose undue increased scrutiny on womenās and girlsā teams and leagues and will also subject all athletes on womenās and girlsā sports teams to intrusive and invasive questioning and other verification requirements.”
Blakeman told reporters: āWe donāt want 6-foot, 210-pound males competing against women and girls who are not that big, theyāre not that strong. Thatās an unfair competition. Itās dangerous. And we also donāt want biological males in the same locker rooms as biological females.ā
When pressed by journalists Blakeman could not cite an instance of a transgender athlete trying to play on a female team in the Long Island county, instead referencing controversy other transgender athletes in other states and “interest” from constituents. He has insisted he is being proactive to prevent it from happening, WNBC 4 News reported.
“Weāre taking action now because itās happening around the country and we donāt want it to happen here,” he said. He argued the Attorney General’s actions to force him toĀ rescind his orderĀ denies ābiological femalesā right to equal opportunities in athleticsā as well as their āright to a safe playing fieldā by exposing them to increased risk of injury if theyāre forced to compete against transgender women.
In a press release the James’ office noted: The executive order forces sports teams and leagues to make an unfair and unnecessary choice: openly discriminate against transgender women and girls in violation of state law, or find somewhere else to play. The executive order applies to more than 100 venues, including general playing fields in parks, baseball, football, and soccer fields, basketball and tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and ice rinks. This discriminatory order will not only impact Nassau County-based teams and leagues but will also undoubtedly deter teams from other counties from participating in Nassau County games and sporting events.Ā
David Kilmnick, PhD, a leading advocate within New York’s LGBTQ+ communities and the founder and President/CEO of the New York LGBT Network referred to Blakeman’s executive order as “just a complete waste of time and a political stunt.”Ā In an interview with WNBC 4 Kilmnick called Blakeman’s actions illegal and dangerous. “We need to get real here: The bullying that is taking place is on trans youth.”
New York
NYPD seeks public’s assistance in homophobic hate crime assault
The NYPD has released surveillance footage of a number of the suspects and asked the publicās help identifying them and tracking them down
NEW YORK, N.Y. – Investigators with theĀ New York Police Department’s Hate CrimeĀ Task ForceĀ are seeking four unidentified teen males responsible for a hate crime last February in Queens.
According to an NYPD spokesperson, the quartet of adolescents attacked two gay men on Broadway near 33 Street throwing hard objects at the men while yelling homophobic epithets and slurs. Detectives with the NYPD’s 114th precinct initially interviewed the two victims who stated that the teens began punching one of the victims a 36 year-old man repeatedly in the face, causing swelling and bruising.
On Sunday the NYPD released surveillance footage of a number of the suspects in the Feb. 8Ā hate crime and asked the publicās help identifying them and tracking them down.
The NYPD stated: Do you have information about this crime? Provide it to us anonymously and receive UP TO $3500 for a tip that leads to an arrest and indictment. Call 800-577-TIPS. Calls are CONFIDENTIAL! Or visit the website: CrimeStoppers.NYPDonline.org
WANTED for Assault/ Hate Crime Broadway near 33 Street #Queens @NYPD114pct on 2/8/2024 @ 7:30 PM four unidentified males began throwing hard objects at the men while using anti LGBTQIA+ statements. They then punched one of the victims repeatedly in the face. 1-800-577-TIPS pic.twitter.com/REbLWrohBe
— NYPD Crime Stoppers (@NYPDTips) March 3, 2024
New York
Beverly Tillery leaving New York City Anti-Violence Project
āI am so proud of the work we have done over the last eight years, which have been some of the most difficult our community has experienced”
NEW YORK CITY – After eight years of serving as executive director, Beverly Tillery announced on Tuesday that she will be leaving the New York-based Anti-Violence Project, Americaās largest support and advocacy organization for LGBTQ survivors of violence.
āI am so proud of the work we have done over the last eight years, years which have been some of the most difficult our community has experienced in decades,ā she said in a statement. Despite the steady increase in threats since the start of her tenure, Tillery said, āwe helped our communities respond to the increases in hate violence attacks and came together with other targeted communities to protect each other.ā
AVP Board Chair Stephanie K. Blackwood credited Tillery with helping to grow the group into āan organization that is poised for a national role,ā recognized for its āmodel support services to survivors and their families, innovative policy and advocacy work and impactful community organizing.ā
Recent advocacy work has included educating policymakers and leaders about the escalating threats and attacks against LGBTQ spaces, following the groupās issuance of its comprehensive survey and corresponding report titled, āUnder Attack: 2022 LGBTQ+ Safe Spaces National Needs Assessment.ā
Tillery spoke with the Washington Blade in October about AVPās meetings with the White House, top officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including Adm. Rachel Levine, assistant secretary for health, and congressional offices.
The group plans to begin the search for a new executive director next month. Tilleryās last day will be July 31.
New York
Exorcism of āany remaining evil spiritsāĀ after trans funeral urged
Gentili is the first out trans person & outspoken sex worker to have their funeral services at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Patrick’s
NEW YORK, N.Y. – Outraged reaction is building from some Catholics over the funeral services for Cecilia Gentili, a history-making trans activist, which were held at New York Cityās historic St. Patrickās Cathedral on Thursday.
It is believed that Gentili is the first out transgender person and outspoken sex worker to have their funeral services at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Patrick’s, which has historically not been a friendly institution to the LGBTQ+ community.
TheĀ Catholic News Agency (CNA) reported the pastor of St. Patrickās Cathedral in New York City said the church has offered a Mass of Reparation after a controversial irreverent funeral service was held. Over 1400 mourners came to memorialize and honor Gentili at St. Patrickās in the Midtown Manhattan neighborhood of New York City. It is the seat of the Archbishop of New York as well as a parish church.
CNA went on to misgender Gentili reporting that [Gentili] was a major fundraiser for transgender causes and was a man who identified as a woman.
CNA also noted that the queer organizers reportedly did not disclose to St. Patrickās that Gentili, who died Feb. 6 at age 52, was a [biological man] who identified as a woman.
āI kept it under wraps,ā Ceyeye Doroshow, the Gentiliās funeral services organizer, told The New York Times, CNA pointed out.
Throughout the liturgy, the presider, Father Edward Dougherty, referred to Gentili with feminine pronouns and described the trans-identifying man as āour sister,ā CNA reported adding; Additionally, during the prayers of the faithful, the reader prayed for so-called gender-affirming health care, while attendees frequently and approvingly referred to Gentili as the āmother of whores.ā
This past Saturday, Rev. Enrique Salvo, the Pastor of St. Patrickās Cathedral, issued a statement:
“Thanks to so many who have let us know they share our outrage over the scandalous behavior at a funeral here at St. Patrickās Cathedral earlier this week. The Cathedral only knew that family and friends were requesting a funeral Mass for a Catholic, and had no idea our welcome and prayer would be degraded in such a sacrilegious and deceptive way. That such a scandal occurred at āAmericaās Parish Churchā makes it worse; that it took place as Lent was beginning, the annual fortyāday struggle with the forces of sin and darkness, is a potent reminder of how much we need the prayer, reparation, repentance, grace, and mercy to which this holy season invites us.Ā
“At the Cardinalās directive, we have offered an appropriate Mass of Reparation.”
New York journalist Joe Jervis reported the far-right Catholic siteĀ LifeSiteNewsĀ hasĀ launched a petitionĀ calling on Cardinal Timothy Dolan to hold an exorcism of āany remaining evil spiritsā still hanging around St. Patrickās since the funeral.
Online, the CatholicVote community of religious extremists posted to X (formerly Twitter):
Vehemently extremist anti-LGBTQ+ Catholic League head Bill DonohueĀ raged:
“Gentili is a man who falsely claimed to be a woman. He was an illegal alien, a drug addict, prostitute, trans activist and atheist.
At the service, many of those in attendance dressed as hookers, danced in the aisles, sang āAve Ceciliaā when āAve Mariaā was sung, and shouted, āSt. Cecilia, Mother Of All Whores.ā
The presiding priest, Fr. Edward Dougherty, falsely declared Gentili to be a woman, referring to him as āour sister.ā Fr. James Martin, an LGBT advocate, was delighted with the event, saying the trans activists are āas much a part of the church as anyone else.ā
“Many are wondering how this profane service could have happened. It happened because it was held under false pretenses,” Donohue angrily posted.
Her funeral service was both somber and celebratory of Gentiliās lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community in New York City and across the country, with mourners chanting āCeciliaā in her honor.
Gentili was a legendary organizer, author, advocate, performer, and community icon. As the founder of Transgender Equity consulting and a beloved mother to countless queer, trans, and immigrant individuals in New York City, her legacy endures on both systemic and personal levels.
The vibrant ceremony included a performance from actor Billy Porter and speeches from chosen family, including trans activists Ceyenne Doroshow, Liaam Winslet, and Gentiliās partner, Peter Scotto. Notably, celebrities in attendance included, Sara Ramirez, Indya Moore, Peppermint, Raquel Willis, Ryan McGinley, and more.
New York
Libs of TikTok angered over KleenexĀ® & Disney Pride sponsorship
Why do companies need to find every possible avenue to force this agenda? Because Satan wants evil to be normalized, & this agenda is evil
BROOKLYN, N.Y – Perpetually outraged Libs of TikTok’s far-right anti-LGBTQ+ extremist creator Chaya Raichik expressed anger over a partnership between KleenexĀ®Ā Brand and the Disney corporation for their Thailand Pride sponsorship.
Thailand Pride had occurred seven months previously in June of 2023, although apparently Raichik was just now made aware of that fact.
Both the Walt Disney Company and KleenexĀ®Ā Brand’s parent company Kimberly-Clark foster a safe and welcoming environment forĀ their LGBTQ+Ā employees as noted by the annual Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI).
Also leading the charge, the Independent Journal Review, a right-wing American news and opinion website based in Alexandria, Virginia which reported:
Disney seems to constantly believe it needs to be involved with the LGBTQ crowd, this time partnering up with KleenexĀ® to feature rainbow versions of Mickey and Minnie Mouse on tissue containers. The new collection was launched in a [Thai] commercial that featured footage from āprideā parades where both men and women can be seen dressed scantily in public.
The IJR then noted:
Why is this the case? Why do these companies need to find every possible avenue they can to force this agenda on consumers ā even if it hurts their business as it did with Bud Light Because Satan wants evil to be normalized, and this agenda is evil.
Related:
New York
Dozens protest Moms for Liberty Manhattan townhall event
The right-wing extremist group used their event to ramp up right-wing fears about transgender healthcare for minors & critical race theory
NEW YORK – Dozens of protestors gathered in below freezing temperatures last night in mid-town behind NYPD-erected barricades in front of the Bohemian National Hall demonstrating against extremist group Moms for Liberty’s townhall event being held inside.
When the event was announced earlier this month it drew an angered response in opposition from the Czech Foreign Minister Jan LipavskĆ½, Ā U.S. Representative Jerry Nadler, a Democrat whose congressional district includes the Upper West Side, openly gay New York state Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal as well as countless hundreds of others.
Foreign Minister LipavskĆ½, said: āI do not agree with the event, the activities of this organization do not correspond to the interests of Czech foreign policy, and if it were up to me, it would never have taken place on the grounds of the Czech national building.ā
In a statement Rep. Nadler said: “Despite their catchy name, Moms for Liberty is nothing more than an alt-right hate group vilifying the LGBTQ+ community. There is no place for hatred or bigotry in New York, which is why Iām deeply troubled by their planned event on the Upper East Side. We cannot allow this fringe group to dictate what books are in our libraries or the version of our nationās history that fits their preferred narrative.”
Media outlets reported that the anti-Moms for Liberty crowd chanted and held up signs, including ones that read, āMoms for Bigotry,ā āMoms for Intolerance,ā āMoms for White Supremacy,ā and āMoms for Hypocrisyā ā with the word āLibertyā crossed out in red.
Ukrainian-American journalist Oliya Scootercaster reported that disgraced former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s son Andrew attended the event with shouts of “Fuck you Andrew!” when he arrived as protesters heckled him entering Bohemian National Hall. “God bless Moms for Liberty!” Giuliani shouted back at them and as he departed he was met with the crowd chanting – “Fuck You Fascist.”
George Santos, who was expelled from the U.S. House after being accused by Federal prosecutors of a number of financial misdeeds, including reimbursing himself for loans to his congressional campaign that he appears to have never actually made ā in essence, stealing money from campaign donors, was also in attendance at last night’s Moms for Liberty event.
Scootercaster reported that protesters shouted “Booooo!” as Santos left the townhall event.
Daily Beast’s senior political reporter Kate Briquelet tweeted images of the two men from inside the event:
George Santos is sitting at the front of the Moms for Liberty town hall and has a lot of fans. Nearby is Rudy Giuliani's son Andrew. pic.twitter.com/UUMXYHneo0
— kate briquelet (@kbriquelet) January 19, 2024
New York City-based queer journalist and senior editor Joe Jervis documented the event, live-tweeting from in the crowd.
#MomsForLibery #UpperEastSide #Fascists #NYC pic.twitter.com/VtaaGISTqE
— JoeMyGod (@JoeMyGod) January 19, 2024
The number of seniors here has enlarged my grinchy heart. https://t.co/Aw9ydaRFAH
— JoeMyGod (@JoeMyGod) January 18, 2024
Big thanks to my NYC Council member ā¦@JulieMeninā©, my New York state Senator ā¦@LizKruegerā©, and Manhattan borough president ā¦@MarkLevineNYCā© for coming out tonight to protest #MomsForLiberty. pic.twitter.com/MB2xIzXIEe
— JoeMyGod (@JoeMyGod) January 19, 2024
Jamie Bauer, a Manhattan retiree who held a āMoms for Hypocrisyā sign, told The Daily Beast, āWhat they did in Florida they are not going to do here. Weāre going to protect our teachers, administrators, and librarians from these bigots.ā
The Moms for Liberty movement is also personal for Bauer, 65, who identifies as nonbinary. They grew up a queer kid in school without the support many NYC students enjoy today.
āI suffered because I didnāt have it growing up,ā Bauer said. āI want to protect kids so they don’t have to go through what I went through.ā
They were referring to studentsā access to books, therapy, medical care, and the ability to ask questions.
Moms for Liberty got its start pushing back against COVID-era school policies in Florida in 2021 later expanding to over 400 chapters across the U.S. pushing anti-LGBTQ and racial book bans, trans outing policies, and other far right extremist policies.
In recent months the group has been plagued by scandals including a sex scandal in Florida by one of its co-founders and her husband, a chapter affiliated member in Tennessee being arrested for retail theft, and its chapter in Indiana which used Adolf Hitlerās quote āHe who has the young generation wins the futureā in one of its newsletters, as reported by the Associated Press.
Then, as firstĀ reported by TheĀ Philadelphia Inquirer, the Moms for Liberty Philadelphia chapterās former faith-based outreachĀ coordinator and a local pastorĀ is also a convicted sex offenderĀ stemming from a 2012 felony conviction for aggravated sexual abuse of a 14-year-old boy in Illinois.
New York
NYC venue responds to Moms for Liberty debacle, will donate fee
The five story building is a mix of office and meeting spaces along with its famed Grand Ballroom and is owned by the Czech government
NEW YORK – Bohemian Benevolent and Literary Association president Joseph BalazĀ responded to the outrage generated by his organization leasing a meeting space to Moms for Liberty, a Southern Poverty Law Center listed extremist organization for an event on January 18.
In an online statement Balaz wrote:
“Dear Friends of BBLA, Supporters, and Neighbors,
I am taking this opportunity to communicate about an upcoming rental event involving an outside group known as Moms For Liberty.
For the past 130 years, BBLA has successfully supported Czech and Slovak heritage using the Bohemian National Hall as our cultural platform. Tens of thousands of people have enjoyed and appreciated the work done by our small staff and us, a group of enthusiastic volunteers running the various programs.
During the year, we occasionally rent space to other independent organizations, schools, companies, and concert promoters, with whom we have no affiliation. We have never had a mechanism in place to pre-screen event sponsors and never felt the need to do so.
Beginning of January, our staff rented one of our smaller rooms to a group called Moms for Liberty, for a three-hour window, and inadvertently stirred up quite a bit of controversy. I am sure you can appreciate that it feels like our peaceful existence was hit with a tornado when an avalanche of letters and calls commenting on the event started landing on us. Naturally, members of our community, as well as representatives of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs (our partner in the building), were alarmed by the notoriety of the event.
Based on strong and thorough advice from our counsel, we concluded that we are not in any position to break the contract. Notably, some who initially reached out to us requesting that we cancel the event now strongly recommend we let it pass, thus not giving legitimacy to it by attempting cancellation. We are also very grateful to many of our regular visitors for their kind words throughout this and for their understanding.
We are a completely apolitical organization concentrating on cultural performances, and ā this particular group clearly does not fit our strong non-political stance. Be aware that BBLA is neither organizing, hosting, nor supporting this specific rental event. Furthermore, as a first-generation immigrant who years ago escaped a dictatorship and absolute censorship, I am personally very sensitive to concepts like book banning, thought, and expression controls, and so on, which this highly politically charged turmoil around this event brings out.
I will personally match the rental fee BBLA received for this event, and this ādouble-sumā will be donated to one of our organizations which actively supports young, future leaders. I trust and hope that the leaders of the next generations will shape a world where personal freedoms, truth, freedom of expression, and dialogue will be unshaken.
On behalf of the Bohemian Benevolent and Literary Association, I thank you for your continuous support and for sharing your thoughts, ideas, and wisdom with us during these challenging days. We cannot wait to return to fulfilling our core mission of producing beautiful programs.”
When news broke of the rental space being leased to Moms for Liberty, Czech Foreign Minister Jan LipavskĆ½ said: āI do not agree with the event, the activities of this organization do not correspond to the interests of Czech foreign policy, and if it were up to me, it would never have taken place on the grounds of the Czech national building.ā
Gay City Newsā editor-in-chief Matt Tracy noted:
A flyer for the event labels it as a āGiving Parents a Voice Town Hall,ā hosted by co-founder Tiffany Justice. Confirmed names on the event are Mona Davids of New York City Parents Union; Charles Love and Maud Mauron of Community Education Council, District 2; Natalya Murakhver of Restore Childhood; Wai Wah Chin of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance of Greater New York; Corey DeAngelis of American Federation for Children; Nicholas Giordano of Suffolk County Community College; and Bilboard Chris.
Other Moms for Liberty events slated for the same week offer more insight into the groupās political priorities. A Jan. 16 meeting, for example, will focus on āgender ideologyā and āhow to defeat it,ā while a Feb. 17 event scheduled to take place in Alabama will feature Riley Gaines, a former college athlete who once competed against out trans swimmer Lia Thomas and has since become one of the most vociferous anti-trans voices in the sports world.
Moms for Liberty did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Jan. 15.
New York
NYPD uniform cop voices anti-gay slur captured in viral video
An officer sitting in a police vehicle at a red light speaks into a loudspeaker, saying, āsuck my dick, faggotā
ByĀ Dashiell Allen | NEW YORK – The Gay Officers Action League (GOAL) is calling on the NYPD to take swift action after aĀ viral video shared on Instagram Oct. 26 appeared to show an officer using an anti-gay slur.
In theĀ video, posted by the Instagram user @skymilezz, an officer sitting in a police vehicle at a red light speaks into a loudspeaker, saying, āsuck my dick, faggot.ā
Brian Downey, an NYPD detective and president of GOAL, told Gay City News in a phone interview he was ācompletely disgustedā when a member of GOAL brought the incident to his attention.
āThis is a painful moment for many of us,ā he said. āThat word evokes a great deal of pain. It really is painful.ā
Downey added: āAnd thatās the sentiment that Iāve gotten from my members: Anger, frustration, pain, sorrow.ā
GOAL released a statement on Nov. 2 stating that the NYPD already launched an investigation.
āWe expect the results of that investigation to lead to appropriate disciplinary action in line with the NYPDās professional standards,ā the statement read.
An NYPD spokesperson told Gay City News in an emailed statement that āthe department does not tolerate discrimination in any form and is committed to respectful work environments for our diverse workforce. The incident is under internal review.ā
Recently, the NYPD and Mayor Eric Adamsā administration have faced criticism for failing to punish the cops involved in the death of Kawaski Trawick, an out gay man who was fatally shot by police in his Bronx home in 2019. In that case, one of the officers who responded in the aftermath of the shooting was caught calling Trawick ājust a perp.ā
Downey acknowledged that the recent video shared on Instagram and similar incidents could erode the LGBTQ communityās trust in the NYPD.
āBut weāre still in the arena, doing the work,ā he said. ā And the Gay Officers Action League cannot do it without our community and without New Yorkers.ā
āItās not who I am and itās not who our people are,ā said Downey, referring to the video. āItās not the principles of our organization nor do I think itās the principles of the police department.ā
At the same time, Downey added, āIām a big fan of accountability, [and] Iām a big fan of transparency.ā
***************************************************************************************
The preceding article was previously published by Gay City News and is republished with permission.
New York
NYPD: Brooklyn library’s Drag Story Hour moved after bomb threat
āThese are children, and children just want to hear stories ā¦ Itās a shame how somebody just ruined it and threatened violenceā
BROOKLYN – The New York Police Department confirmed that a bomb threat was emailed to the Cortelyou branch of Brooklyn Public Library forcing the staff and patrons to relocate the scheduled Drag Queen Story Hour just prior to the event Saturday morning.
The NYPD confirmed Saturday afternoon that an email addressed to a library staff person sourced to an unknown person with a Buffalo, New York origin threatened that a bomb would detonate at 11:30 a.m., and according to a NYPD spokesperson a male caller also phoned 911 about the threat.
The NYPDās canine and emergency services units briefly evacuated the branch and did a search but did not locate a device or anything suspicious. āOfficers responded to a bomb threat. There were no devices located,ā said the spokesperson.
Brooklyn libraryās Drag Story Hour moved after bomb threat https://t.co/Wqu7WPeRgz pic.twitter.com/GTiaPCAmPR
— New York Post (@nypost) September 23, 2023
The New York Post reported the drag queens moved their event to a Connecticut Muffin coffee shop a block away after convincing staffers there to help. About seven children and parents attended.
āItās a shame, and itās something thatās extremely dangerous,ā fumed a parent of a 2-year-old girl who sat in on the reading.
āThese are children, and children just want to hear stories ā¦ Itās a shame how somebody just ruined it and threatened violence.ā
New York
Out Black dancer OāShae Sibley killed, NYPD probe as hate crime
NYPD’s 66thĀ PrecinctĀ homicide investigators along with the NYPD Hate Crime Task ForceĀ (HCTF) are searching for a teenage suspect
BROOKLYN, NY. – A professional out queer Black dancer was murdered just after 11 p.m. Saturday night during a confrontation with a group of young Muslim men in the Midwood neighborhood of Brooklyn at a Mobil convenience mart and gas station.
New York City Police Department’s 66thĀ PrecinctĀ homicide investigators along with detectives from the NYPD Hate Crime Task ForceĀ (HCTF) are searching for a teenage suspect seen in surveillance video footage arguing with the victim, OāShae Sibley, 28.
According to witnesses and the NYPD, Sibley and a group of his friends performed an impromptu voguing dance session while refueling after a day trip to the Jersey Shore. The teenage suspect and several others had emerged from the convenience mart and engaged Sibley using profanities and homophobic epithets.
Witnesses told investigators that the group of young Muslims had told Sibley and his group that their voguing dance was offensive to their religion.
On the surveillance video footage the ensuing physical altercation is shown with the rapid departure of the suspect and his group. The NYPD said that NYFD medics rushed the dancer to Maimonides Medical Center with a stab wound to the chest, but he succumbed to his injuries enroute and was deceased upon arrival.
Prominent Black director and choreographer Kemar Jewel, who had worked with Sibley since he was a teenager, posted his tribute, expressing grief over the killing on Facebook.
“Over the weekend, my nephew OāShae (Sage) was murdered due to a hate crime. A group of men killed him for being gay. Once I got the call that he didnāt make it to the hospital, I felt my soul leave my body.
I met OāShae when he was 16 years old. He was a bright eyed and goofy young man who had talent beyond anything Iād seen before. He could sing, he could do hip hop, jazz, ballet, tap, anddddddd he was an incredible voguer! Thatās how we became close.
We both were immersed in the arts and wanted to step into ballroom, so we joined the ballroom scene at the same time and was in our first house together. In addition to Ballroom, OāShae was a staple in the Philly dance community and was even apart of Philadanco (The Philadelphia Dance Company).
Since OāShae was so talented, I always jumped at the chance to put him in shows and productions to show off his talents. If you know me, my career took off because of my Ballroom-related music videos. Out of the 8 videos Iāve done in my career, OāShae has starred in 6 of them! OāShae also has choreographed and assisted me on several live productions, including choreographing the first ever Black Queer Sondheim show I did.
If you know me, you know that Iām not connected to my biological family, and OāShae was one of the closest things to family that I ever had. We checked on each other. We loved each other and we were always there when the other needed it. We were invested in each otherās wellbeing and growth and I knew that we were bonded together forever. To add the cherry on top, a few years ago, we found out that we were ACTUALLY RELATED because his biological cousin was married to my uncle. I remember OāShaeās face when he found out, he was so happy that a bond that was made up was now cemented in real life.
Anyone who ever met OāShae was very blessed to know him. He was funny, unique, charismatic and always knew how to have a good time. Most importantly, he loved HARD!!! He went above and beyond for his loved ones and made sure no one was ever sad around him. As I write this, tears are running down my face thinking about his beautiful smile and his child-like energy. I canāt believe that I have to live the rest of my life without hearing him calling me āUncleā in one of his funny voices.
OāShae, I love you with every bone in my body, Iām so sorry that this world and its hatred has taken you away from us way too soon. I promise you Iāll make sure your memory will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone I come across. Iāll tell your stories! Iāll speak your name and Iāll make sure that every Black Queer artist I meet knows that I am who I am because you poured into me and believed in me, even when no one else did.
Rest in Peace.
Rest in Paradise.
Rest in Power.”
Sibley had performed at Lincoln Center as part of an all-queer dance group in Jacolby Satterwhiteās dreamlike digital media exhibitĀ āAn Electric Dance to the Movement of TimeāĀ in 2022.
The New York Daily News reported that Jewel notably featured Sibley in his 2021 videoĀ āSoft: A Love Letter to Black Queer Men,āĀ a nearly seven-minute performance that the Brooklyn dancer co-choreographed, which uses the art of contemporary dance to portray black feminine energy.
āHe really, really loved Soft,ā said Jewel. āHe helped to talk me through it and breath life into it.ā
Jewel told the Daily News that Sibley moved to New York from Philadelphia three years ago, shortly after he did, because he enjoyed the cityās 24-hour vibrancy. He said that Sibley had the gift of making people happy.
āHe was goofy and funny and full of life and energy. And he always knew how to make people smile. I think that those are his best attributes ā that he made everyone smile.ā
Sibley also liked to share his enthusiasm and his gift for dance.
āHe also volunteered at dance studios to help teach folks. He volunteered at youth centers and he offered free classes and stuff. He definitely loved to give back.ā
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