Marching Against Hate Crimes In Astoria, Queens

This past Sunday several different groups joined together in Astoria to do as their banner says, march against hate. Two months ago trans-gender residents of Carmen's Place were assaulted for their gender and sexual orientation. The community however, will not stand for this violence. The rally was postponed by a day due to Tropical Storm Hanna and the traditional media of NYC didn't publicize it (Thanks to NYC Indymedia for doing their part), but the event was still a resounding success.

From The Queens Chronicle:

At a rally in Athens Park in Astoria last Sunday, neighborhood activists, teens and local elected officials gathered to show support for Carmen’s Place, a shelter for transgender and gay youth.
The March Against Hate was organized in response to a violent July attack on residents of Carmen’s Place by neighborhood teens, with rally participants brandishing signs and a bullhorn to denounce hate and violence. “That’s how this community works. We don’t put up with violence from anywhere,” said Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria) at the rally. The march began with speakers addressing a crowd of activists, onlookers and a Japanese television crew. Speaking at the event, Carmen’s Place founder, Father Louis Braxton Jr. thanked the police who saved his life and the community for its support. “It is not possible to be a free people in a free nation if we are not safe,” he said.

When the speakers were finished, the crowd marched down Steinway to show their support for all those that wish to live their lives out in the open. When the ignorant and hateful minority decide to commit such heinous acts, people like Rev. Braxton is ready to stand up and respond with love and tolerance.

And thanks to my fellow Democracy for New York City member, we have some great pictures from the event: