Brody's Notes... Beaten- Because He Is Gay

New York City based journalist, blogger, and broadcast news producer Steph Watts, details yet another in a tragic series of recent hate crimes against the LGBTQ community in New York, this one in the city's westside that occurred over this past weekend to a young 26 year old man.

By Steph Watts (New York, New York) MAR 28 | Damian Furtch was on his way home from work at a restaurant late Sat night (Sunday morning), when he stopped off at a McDonalds in NYC’s West Village ( a predominantly gay area) to get some food. It was approx. 4:30 am. While inside the restaurant Damian noticed 2 men staring at him – giving him “looks” – we have all been there, we know what this feels like. It was late, Damian was tired, he felt uncomfortable and he didn’t want any trouble so he left. He was across the street, walking away while on the phone to a friend when the 2 men from McDonalds approached him and asked him “if he had a problem” before he knew it he was punched in the face by one man, then instantly felt another punch by the second perp, and then he heard it – “You Fucking Faggot” , the words as hurtful as the punches.

Damian Furtch via Facebook

Damian managed to get away – but not before suffering a severe beating to his face – and head to the nearest hospital where the police were called. He filed a police report and the cops appropriately asked him if they used any slurs. Damian said yes “they called me a faggot.” Now these 2 thugs are wanted in connection to a HATE crime. Damian got 4 stitches and they have to break and re-set his nose.

One of the perps has a huge tattoo of a gothic cross under his left eye..it was approximately 2 inches…Damian will be going to the precinct to go through mug shots and the police have subpoenaed the video surveillance tape from McDonalds.
Thank God, Damian is alive.
Take a stand for Damian against the epidemic of hate in this country. It doesn’t stop here….This is where it starts.
I commend Damian on his bravery for coming forward, for not being ashamed as to what happened. When I spoke to him on the phone he kept trying to blame himself, “I was dressed a certain way (the restaurant Damian works at requires the staff to wear a certain attire that could be perceived by some to be flamboyant) – not that it should matter, it’s NYC in 2011 right?? ….Yeah. Damian then continued… “It was late…” I told him it was NOT his fault for being who he is or where he was. I am working on getting the video from McDonalds and will post it here once it is released.
I am committed to seeking justice for Damian. Please stand with me on this issue and add Damain as a friend on facebook – let him know his is not alone in this fight….
Damian Furtch http://www.facebook.com/dfurtch….