Gay men targeted even here in Boston

NYC subway station graffiti reported June 3rd via Joe My God’s blog

Nearly everyone in the gay community I know has been shocked by the string of gay bashings in New York City.  Last week Bay Windows reported Boston Police were alerting the LGBT community about an ongoing investigation of robberies involving male suspect(s) connecting with male individuals, either in person at area bars or online via hookup sites.  These stories are unsettling but familiar for gay men my age. However, I will be the first to admit I thought those days – especially in cities like Boston and New York – were far behind us.

Following up on the crimes here in Boston, local reporter – Steve Annear, contacted me about a story he was writing for Boston Magazine to get my thoughts on gay men using hookup sites to meet men. I shared my two cents and then a bit more in his article which you may read here:

Police Warn LGBT Community After People Are Drugged, Robbed

However, his interview got me to thinking about this string of violence and it has made me very mad.  The idea that people would target individuals who are trying to meet – regardless of why – is outrageous, and reminds me of the days when society would turn a blind eye to punks loitering near gay bars to beat up or rob guys leaving on their own.

While I would caution everyone to always use caution when meeting someone you don’t know, I refuse to apologize or think any less of someone for meeting via a hookup site.  I happened to meet my partner on a dance floor, but I know many guys who have made either great friends or boyfriends through hookup sites, chat rooms (before them) and any number of other odd places that many of my heterosexual friends would probably find strange to say the least. The difference between now and then is at least society is no longer turning a blind eye so if you see something speak up.  Silence has always been the enemy of the gay community.