Fil-Ams call for end to gay hate crimes

[w8liftinglady]

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/08/08/11/fil-ams-call-end-gay-hate-crimes

LONG BEACH, California – Over 200 people held a rally in Long Beach last August 4 in support of the gay community, calling for an end to a recent series of violent attacks against gays.

The Broadway Corridor, the gay district of Long Beach, has seen 3 separate incidents in the past week, where a total of 5 gay men were attacked.

One victim remains in the hospital.

At least 1 of the incidents has been labeled as a hate crime, while the other 2 are still under investigation.

"I think it's terrible, but I think it's awesome that our community is rallying together against that type of attacks," said Long Beach resident and community outreach worker Eric Leocadio.

Some of the local Filipino Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community members like 17-year-old Lynette Maroney are now worried that their own neighborhood is no longer safe.