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Monday, January 7, 2008

Gay-Friendly Bashing Last Night on Capitol Hill

posted by on January 7 at 10:44 AM

This just in from Hot Tipper Laszlo:

Dear Last Days,

Last night, January 6, my heterosexual male roommate and his friend were buying beer at the Shell gas station on Broaway and Pike when they were confronted by an angry man in line, who stated the he “fucked up faggots.” He then asked my roommate’s friend if he was a friend of gays, and he told him yes, and that the angry man should not speak about gays like that. The man then called him a faggot and told him that he would be waiting outside for him. When they went outside, both of them were blindsided and my roomate had his nose broken.

The most fucked up thinng about this is that a man in line heard the entire ordeal, called the police, but they didnt come! They only came after several other people had called the police, and a while after the incident happened. These guys are not gay, but the point is that we have a serious issue on Capitol Hill with people attacking anyone they think are “fags.” Also once the police arrived, my roomate and co. were told that nothing much would probably come of it (even though they had the license plate of the getaway car, a rental), although this technically qualifies as a hate crime under Washington state law.

So that’s my fucked-up Hot Tip, and I hope that these motherfuckers get caught so they can’t harm anymore innocent people, gay or straight.

RSS icon Comments

1

Why is nothing going to come of it? They have everything they need to immediately apprehend the perpetrator; the rental company knows exactly who rented that car. Why aren't the police doing their job? The station is just a few blocks away.

WHY AREN'T THE POLICE DOING THEIR JOB?

Posted by Fnarf | January 7, 2008 10:55 AM
2

The attacker will also be on the store's video from standing in line. The roommate may be able to get a copy from the the store manager (hopefully, he/she is sympathetic) and take it to the police dept. The more you follow up with the police, the more likely it is they will do something. If you drop it, they will drop it. I'd stay on it.

Posted by kueven | January 7, 2008 10:59 AM
3

I know of two other incidents where non-gay people were gay bashed or attempted to be gay bashed and a third incident where the victims WERE gay. In all three instances, the victims fought back and ran the motherfuckers off, but did NOT call the cops, which I told them was a mistake. This dumbfuck city doesn't seem to acknowledge there IS a problem.

Posted by michael strangeways | January 7, 2008 11:00 AM
4

This is pretty common on Cap Hill these days. I was harrassed on Broadway and Pine Saturday night by a bunch of breeder boys.

Posted by Just Me | January 7, 2008 11:01 AM
5

The breeders and homophobes are taking over the Hill. Better buy a truck and a shotgun--and shoot my truck with my shotgun--so I blend.

Posted by Mr. Poe | January 7, 2008 11:03 AM
6

Things they could have said:

It's not my business what other people do.
It's no skin off my ass.
Why do you care what other people do?
I mind my own business and suggest you do the same.
If you don't like gays why come to boystown?

I'm not queer
I'm just here
To buy beer

Posted by puzzled | January 7, 2008 11:06 AM
7

Hasn't happened to me yet, but I've started carrying around pepper spray, and occasionally a glass bottle, when I've been out at night now. Seriously. Can you carry Tasers in this city?

Posted by tsm | January 7, 2008 11:07 AM
8

This is crappy and all, but how were they "blindsided," exactly, given the man told them he'd be waiting outside beforehand?

Posted by Matthew | January 7, 2008 11:09 AM
9

Police told me the same thing after my encounter at 12th & Madison. Funny thing is I had ordered pepper spray online a few days before, and it showed up the next day.

Posted by happy renter | January 7, 2008 11:12 AM
10

Years (and years) ago, I was at a party when two friends showed up battered and bruised after being gay bashed. It turned out that another friend, Billy, knew who the attackers were. He was pissed, and he stormed out of the party mumbled something about, "going straight bashing".


We didn't think much of it until he came back, later. He walked into the living room carrying a baseball bat spray painted pink, and threw it on the floor. We noticed that there was hair and blood on the bat.


"I don't think we need to worry about them anymore." was all he said. We all stood around in stunned silence for a few minutes, and then the party just went on. While I'm not one for violence, well, I'm just sayin'...

Posted by kueven | January 7, 2008 11:12 AM
11

8: "Waiting outside" doesn't translate exactly to "ready to punch you in the face."

And really, faced with this story as a whole, your issue is with the victims' friend's word choice?

Posted by David Schmader | January 7, 2008 11:14 AM
12

Selective enforcement isn't a new thing with the SPD and I'm suprised that anyone is really suprised by SPD's refusal to go after assault suspects in such cases, even when they are eager to go after them when they are associated with nightclub violence or other politically advantageous situations.

While I should say, "Why should I care when nobody else cared when the SPD refused to go after the people who beat me or the person who did the crime I was falsely accused of?"

I won't... because I know too well that any injustice, once tolerated, leads to even greater injustices and the eventual decay of civilizations... in other words, the injustice you suffer will inevitably be suffered by others or myself if allowed to fester with apathy.

What can you do? You could try the OPA, but I can already tell you how that will turn out.

The only thing you can do is contact the media and elected officials to put pressure on them to change things from the top.

Posted by Packratt | January 7, 2008 11:21 AM
13

Sorry for my ignorance, but what are breeders?

Posted by question | January 7, 2008 11:21 AM
14

@13

A derogatory term for straight people, typically describing a straight married couple with kids... like me.

Posted by Packratt | January 7, 2008 11:25 AM
15

13: Slang term for heterosexuals.

Posted by David Schmader | January 7, 2008 11:26 AM
16

the spd was very helpful to me when i was threatened on the hill last october:

http://sgn.org/sgnnews35_52/page1.cfm

Posted by Someone Somewhere | January 7, 2008 11:26 AM
17

hmm... breeder, that's a tough one, particularly when contrasted with gays....
try to figure it out from context, or try
www.urbandictionary.com

Posted by paddly your own gnu | January 7, 2008 11:26 AM
18

Breeders isn't anymore offensive than "gays". Please.

Posted by Mr. Poe | January 7, 2008 11:29 AM
19

13, that's so adorable! breeders are those who breed as a result of sexual congress. gays, by definition, do not engage in sexual congress which would result in reproduction.

Posted by ellarosa | January 7, 2008 11:29 AM
20

um this is not nyc. this city is not big enough to ignore this problem. someone needs to throw a fuckin fit to the news, the city council, and make them listen.

Posted by um | January 7, 2008 11:32 AM
21

"The most fucked up thinng about this is that a man in line heard the entire ordeal, called the police, but they didnt come!"

indeed. the same exhausting tale----i've been through something similar at least six times here. but if a homeless guy pukes or somebody parks in the yellow or some peaceful protesters need to be gassed and beaten...call the SPD! they'll be there before you hang up.

again: POLICE are the CORRUPT BULLY ARM of an increasingly fascist government. they are here to punish you, not protect you, and if you labor under that delusion, you are a lamentable fool. in short? THEY SUCK.

Posted by adrian | January 7, 2008 11:37 AM
22

The attitude of the police is inappropriate especially when the police promised at the safety meeting last month they would handle these cases aggresively.

This is considered a hate crime.

Remember, there is a Policy Advisory meeting every 3rd Tuesday that used to be held in the LGBT Center. The meetings are at a new location, now. Check with them for where this now is. The public is always invited to these open meetings to discuss these issues. Please, go!

Posted by PT | January 7, 2008 11:38 AM
23

I think all the biggest and burliest homos on the Hill should start wearing shirts that say "FAGGOT" in big, bold letters. If they see another guy getting harassed by some jackass, they can shout, "WHAT DID YOU CALL HIM?!"

It works so well inside my own mind.

Posted by Greg | January 7, 2008 11:41 AM
24

My first reaction to this story is to organize a sting operation and bait these fuckers. And then beat the shit out of them. But since the answer to violence is not more violence, just send them to prison where someone else can fuck them up.

Posted by M | January 7, 2008 11:41 AM
25

i gotta say, from what i've read in slog the san francisco pd looks GOOD in comparison to seattle pd. and the sfpd fairly sucks, so...eesh, you poor bastards.

Posted by ellarosa | January 7, 2008 11:49 AM
26

I don't think police can do anything unless they witness the act. That's what a cop told me, anyway.

Posted by police do other things | January 7, 2008 11:50 AM
27

@24, you cant send them to prison of the SPD are being a bunch of lazy cunts who don't do their job.

Posted by Bellevue Ave | January 7, 2008 11:51 AM
28

@27. True. Just wishful slogging.

Posted by M | January 7, 2008 11:54 AM
29

Whatever happened to the Q Patrol? Cap Hill businesses used to hire The Queers to wear pink and patrol Broadway. They were a kind of a gay neighborhood watch, with color-coordinated uniforms.

Mostly they checked for unlocked doors and called in nuisance crimes. They also sent a message to potential gay-bashers: "This neighborhood will not tolerate you here."

Is it time for them again?

On another note: Once again, we see the results of an understaffed police force. Does anyone know the nightly minimum staffing numbers for the East Precinct?

I do. There isn't one. There might be one on paper, but the city has never met it. Aren't the staffing numbers for the night in question a matter of public record? Bet someone could find out with a couple phone calls how many police were on duty.

This city needs to hire more police officers. This city needs to increase the amount it pays police officers. This city needs to demand police officers meet minimum staffing requirements. This city needs to demand public oversight of its police officers.

Posted by six shooter | January 7, 2008 11:59 AM
30

I bet that most of the SPD, secretly, totally agrees with violent gay bashers.

Posted by Gomez | January 7, 2008 12:01 PM
31

13, that's so adorable! breeders are those who breed as a result of sexual congress. gays, by definition, do not engage in sexual congress which would result in reproduction.

Well, if you're not engaging in sexual congress which would result in reproduction, then I guess, by definition, you're just fuckers.

Posted by Warren Pease | January 7, 2008 12:03 PM
32

@27 -- Are the cops lazy cunts who don't do their jobs? Haven't you complained in the past that the cops are overly aggressive in beating down the black man?

Which is it?

Should the cops take a break from beating down the black man so they can beat down the gay-bashers?

Or maybe they should go back to being lazy cunts and stop doing anything.

Posted by six shooter | January 7, 2008 12:03 PM
33

@30 -- I bet all liberals secretly hate America.

SPD is chock-full of gay and lesbian cops, you ignorant asshole.

Posted by six shooter | January 7, 2008 12:05 PM
34
I don't think police can do anything unless they witness the act. That's what a cop told me, anyway.

Oh Jesus wept.

That's not true. They're obligated to at least take a report. If a cop refuses to file a report with you, ask for their contact information, file a report with another officer and file a complaint about the cop who blew you off.

Generally speaking, it's a good idea for anyone in Seattle to read and be familiar with the part of the Seattle Police Department's manual that deals with professionalism and public conduct. It's chapter 1.003, Section VII. It deals with reporting, duty to identify, and so on, so it gives you some parameters for how to frame any complaints you might have about officer conduct.

Posted by Judah | January 7, 2008 12:07 PM
35

i know -- if cops could only work on stuff they actually saw...

but you must follow-up on this. you have witnesses and a license plate... so follow-up with them. go to the precinct, what ever it takes. this is assault, and you cannot let it go. maybe you can sue them directly if the police do not do anything.

if you do not do something, this will continue.

it will continue until a victim does do something.

Posted by infrequent | January 7, 2008 12:15 PM
36

The original post says they got the license and it is a rental.

The cops may not be willing to do their jobs, but you can.

Embarrass the rental agency publicly and go after their records for a civil suit.

The standard for proving a tort is generally less then proving a crime, and if a lawsuit is moving forward the cops will be moved to file charges also.

If the guy was here on business, and his employer was paying for the rental, this also could turn out not to be in his employers best public relations interest.

Posted by Rain Monkey | January 7, 2008 12:19 PM
37

Remember when the SPD voted "no confidence" in chief Kerlikowske?

Posted by Remember? | January 7, 2008 12:35 PM
38

It's very interesting that your roomies DID NOT TAKE THE THREAT SERIOUSLY. Why do I say that? Because they walked right into it and were "blind sided". No they were not really blind-sided they had warning. My point, these attacks will only stop when Str8 allies take the treats to harm gay people seriously. Am I blaming the "victim" in this case? Yes. They KNEW a threat had been made, they knew what the man looked like, they knew why he would attack. Maybe gay citizens and their str8 allies need to take these treats seriuolsy and be prepared. Don't expect the SPD to protect the citizens. I'm hoping my view point will get people REALLY mad, I mean REALLY REALLY mad. We're not victims when we get the warning then act like it's a big joke. When the warning comes, take it seriously. I have been a tad harsh with the roomies, but come on he told you he was waiting outside.

Posted by Sargon Bighorn | January 7, 2008 12:39 PM
39

That Shell station attracts some real assholes. If nothing else, buy your beer elsewhere.

Posted by DOUG. | January 7, 2008 12:39 PM
40

@36 -- I'm with you. Where's the fucking license plate, name of the rental agency, description of the vehicle, and more importantly description of the perpetrators?

What's the matter, Schmader? Is the Stranger either too lazy or too afraid to publish everything? Since when do you guys care about slander or tortuous liability?

Posted by You're Making Things Hard for the Vigilantes Around Here | January 7, 2008 12:42 PM
41
Posted by hyperlinker | January 7, 2008 12:46 PM
42

@32 you must be confused. also, your dichotomies for cops are stupid.

Posted by Bellevue Ave | January 7, 2008 1:03 PM
43

What does dichotomy mean? I am confused.

Posted by six shooter | January 7, 2008 2:54 PM
44

I wonder if the attacker was able to punch hard enough to make himself straight.

Self loathing closet cases make me sad.

Posted by non | January 7, 2008 2:57 PM
45

@43

wiki it.

Posted by Bellevue Ave | January 7, 2008 4:26 PM
46

Fuck wiki. Google it. Cut and pasted into your browser bar and you don't even have to type it. Six clicks.

Posted by Fnarf | January 7, 2008 6:13 PM
47

So the victims were just supposed to hole up in the store all night, Sargon? Cops aren't going to come out until AFTER something happens. They aren't going to come out for "johnny said something mean to me" calls.

And these guys probably wanted to go home and drink their cheap-ass beer.

Posted by thehawke | January 7, 2008 11:46 PM
48

I'd like to know why all you pussy bitches are complaining about being harrassed and/or attacked. You can fight back!!!! You do have the right (if you have a permit) to carry a gun on you. You can carry pepper spray. Any legal weapon you can find. FIGHT BACK!!! The next time some loser hits you, stick a broken bottle in his face. If he comes back at you, shoot him in the legs, pepper spray him, kick him in the balls and the face and RUN RUN RUN. Then let him call the police LOL

Posted by Doug Winthrop | January 8, 2008 7:29 PM
49

hell yeah I'm with the fight back guy being afro american they won't ever stop beating down the black man some of them deserve it but I'm gay and just got a gun going to the range daily my boyfreind is small and doesn't like guns or fighting i was born in oakland fight your way in and fight your way out we have to fight back gun on gun fist on fist knife on knife welcome to seattle were the fags bang knifes and shoot gun sounds good to to me stand up ......

Posted by bpapi22 | January 15, 2008 8:35 PM

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