Adamfoxie Attends a Meeting on Hate violence in Staten Island, New York

Gay victims of Stapleton hate crime denounce brutal beating as supporters call for vigilance

Published: Wednesday, July 14, 2010, 6:44 AM     Updated: Wednesday, July 14, 2010, 6:47 AM 

byKiawana Rich SILive.com

Before we go below to read the report from The SI Advance,  I would like to relate a few facts about this meeting. The writer was there, both as a Gay man and a Casualty Of Hate Crime in New York City and in this case one of New York City Boros, Staten Island.  Staten Island has been a close knit community with many branches. Each branch not touching any other of the branch.  But in this case we have a tree canker that it's killing some parts of the tree.

Yesterday, Community Health Action send out invitation for a meeting in regards to the acts of  not just intolerance and hatred, but violence towards Gays and Immigrants in this community . Both class of people that have been targeted by hoodlums in this city. 

The meeting was well attended by the media and where the media goes the politicians follow. 

The police department had 3 community liason officers. No seniors or semi senior officials that could answer questions were there.  Some of the politicians, such as a local  Matthew Titone a Gay Assemblyman for the area was there to make a speech. This writer was insistent in asking Matthew Titone the following: 

 Why is it that this writer went to his office and ask for help in getting assistance or suggestions on how to get to see the 120th Police Pct. Commander., because of a non response from his Police force.  I was a victim of a Hate Crime and I needed assistance. The writer was promised by a senior member of his staff that they were going to get back to him in regards to this issue. 

I was very curious to find out why there was no email, call, letter or anything to give some support to this writer. after seveeral weeks. Titone had no answer except he was argumentative of how busy he was in  Albany (The Capital) with issues dealing withe budget.

As disappointed as I was in never hearing from Titone, it was more disappointed to hear his humor and non responsiveness.

As a matter of fairness, all he could have said was sorry.  I never heard it from his mouth. It was obvious that he saw this as a police business and he did not want to get involve in police business.  As far as I know we elect public officials to help us in all matters that affects the constituent as a citizen of the city.

The Office of Christine Quinn the Speaker of the Council. She sent Erik, a senior staff member for Gay Affairs.  Her office had been both helpful and supportive. As a matter of fact, it was the Speakers office that call me shortly after my violent incident, being that she keeps track of Hate Crimes in the City. How about that!!! for an example of what a public servant should be doing. I wish her office would put that on paper on things a Public servant should do and send it to Assemblyman Titone. 

During this meeting we heard from the latest victims, Luis and Richard Vieras. I was so impressed to see them there all black and blue with injuries, but affirming that they are who they are and there is no way to go but forward. 

The community was impressive with ideas on how to take a handle on  this walking time bomb, which is Hate crime.

The rest you will read below from the local paper. But I wanted to take you where my eyes where as a hate victim and hoping that you also put your self on any hate victim. Knowing that it could be you next time! 

adamfoxie

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Two gay men from Stapleton put the community and their assailants on notice last night: They are not afraid, and justice will be served.

Luis Vieira, 47, and his partner, Richard Vieira, 39, addressed a meeting organized by the Staten Island LGBT Center, Tompkinsville, in response to the brutal beating to which they were subjected last week by a large group of African Americans at the White Castle restaurant on Bay Street.

The NYPD is investigating the early-morning July 7 attack as a hate crime.

Staten Island Advance/Hilton FloresLuis and Richard Vieria, who were assaulted last week by a large group at the White Castle in Stapleton, at last night's meeting at the Staten Island LGBT Center.

In the presence of 70-plus supporters, the couple of 13 years' standing held hands and overcame some initial discomfort. Richard Vieira's eye was blacked and his arm was in a sling.

"There are a lot of questions that need to be answered" in respect of the assault, said Luis Vieira, who noted that he grew up in Alabama when pro-segregationist George Wallace was governor.

"[Do] you honestly think you can intimidate me or my partner to not put our face out there and let it be known what is going on in the community?" he asked rhetorically.

The outrage has lit a fire under the LGBT community. "The fact we can still have hate crimes based on race, gender, ethnicity and sexuality -- it's disturbing," said Imani Rodriguez of Stapleton. "It is disturbing that my children are growing up in these times that I still have to watch my back and the back of my lesbian lover."

Some speakers discussed their experiences as victims of bias crimes. Several complained that the response by police and the district attorney is frequently inadequate.

Diane Arneth, executive director of the Community Health Action of Staten Island, which runs the center, outlined a plan for creating groups to reach out in such key areas as education and law enforcement. Ms. Arneth, who admitted the plan was ambitious, said the efforts would include creating a Google page to stay connected, staging a vigil and attending the upcoming National Night Out Against Crime.

She added that the owners of the bookstore Bent Pages on Van Duzer Street would open their doors Saturday to continue the conversation.

Among those attending or speaking last night were: State Sen. Diane Savino (D-North Shore/Brooklyn) and representatives of City Councilwoman Debi Rose (D-North Shore, Rep. Michael McMahon (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn), the NYPD, Council Speaker Christine Quinn and the city Anti-Violence Project.