BRAVO Alert

A string of anti-LGBTQ crimes seems to have struck the country, from soldiers to trans-identified individuals, and it's worth taking note that the spree seems not to be limited to just "out there." The Buckeye Regional Anti-Violence Organization (BRAVO) monitors all sorts of activities. I was recently contacted on Twitter about three separate attacks in Central Ohio (read: Columbus-area) around July 4th. From their website:

BRAVO, has received 3 reports of anti-LGBT attacks in multiple neighborhoods around several LGBT Bars on Friday night of the 4th of July weekend. The description of the attackers in each incident is very similar and BRAVO strongly believes that these attacks are related and were perpetrated by the same group of assailants.

In all 3 assaults the victims were jumped by a group of 6-7 young men, in well lit and populated areas. The attacks took place between midnight and 2:00 AM. The assaults involved beating, kicking, and punching with "brass knuckles". Injuries included concussions, stitches, abrasions, bruises, and head injuries; medical attention was required in all cases. Anti-LGBT language was used in all 3 of the attacks.

If you have been the victim of, or are aware of, similar assaults please contact BRAVO (614 294 7867) or the Columbus Police Department. (614 645 4545)

For further information BRAVO can be reached at 614 294 7867 or 866 86 BRAVO.

Description of Perpetrator:
Sex: 6-7 Males in a group
Race: Caucasian, African American and Latino
Age: Late Teens

STAY ALERT
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
BE AWARE
KNOW THAT THIS TYPE OF CRIME IS NOT RARE

If you know of anything, please contact the above listed phone numbers, and make sure you and those you love stay safe. The fight is not over -- there are still those who wish to do us harm.

Also: if you have been a victim of a hate crime, please contact BRAVO. If you would like to contact this blog -- queercincinnati@gmail.com -- about your story, please do so.