Anti-Gay Attacks continue in NYC

This happened in Brooklyn.

This is 30 so far this year.

The Starlite Lounge will close

One of most iconic gay bars is closing down.

Brooklyn's own, Starlite Lounge, will end it's 40 year legacy today.

In a message posted on the home page of the Starlite Lounge website, the establishment’s management and staff remark, “It is with a heavy heart that we are forced to announce that the Starlite Lounge has lost its highly-publicized battle to stay open in its landmark location.”

The lounge is described on the site as “the oldest black-owned non-discriminating bar/club in the heart of Brooklyn, New York.” The lounge’s clientele ranges from drag queens and locals to fashion models and celebrities.

Even Madonna is rumored to have visited the Starlite.

I went to the Starlite years ago when I was working at Cornell. I loved it! It was full of life and flash... I hate that it's closing down.

If I was ballin', I would buy it and keep it going.

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Keith Phoenix is Finally Convicted of Hate Crime Murder

Over a year ago, Keith Phoenix murdered Jose O. Sucuzhanay on a Brooklyn street last year because he thought he was gay.

He went court and it was declared a mistrial because the jury wasn't sure on the story. But new trial wasn't that long. The jury found Keith guilty of a Hate Crime Murder!

Gay City News reports:

“This verdict sent the right message,” said Diego Sucuzhanay, another of José’s brothers, after the jury announced its verdict at roughly 9:30 p.m. on June 28. “We believe that justice has been done for our brother.”

Phoenix, 30, and Hakim Scott, 27, assaulted the brothers after mistaking them for a gay couple as they were walking home early in the morning on December 7, 2008 in Brooklyn’s Bushwick section. The two Ecuadorian immigrants were huddled close together to stay warm.

Romel said an anti-Latino slur was used. Two other witnesses heard an anti-gay slur.

Phoenix was convicted on the top counts he faced and could get as much as 40 years in prison for the killing when he is sentenced on August 5. His first trial ended in a mistrial after one juror held out for a manslaughter conviction while the other 11 wanted to convict on second-degree murder. The first jury did not believe the attack was a hate crime.

Scott was convicted on manslaughter and attempted assault charges on May 6, though not as hate crimes. Scott will be sentenced on July 14.

Finally, this is done... I hope.

This is Self-Hate

In the 2005, Steven Pomie attacked Dwan Prince and left him partially paralyzed. Steven was sent to prison

Then years later, Dwan sent Steven a letter that... Get ready... Thanked him for beating the gay out of him. Dwan also blamed himself for the beating.

I'm not making this up, y'all. In fact...

“I was at blame so it is my to my strongest degree that you get out as soon as possible,” Prince wrote.

“Steve you changed me! So hopefully when you get out we can hang out. You know me. I know you. I help you calm that angry machine down. And allow you to know I am not gay but a lover, and you can find me a female I can love and can love me.” Prince has been attending a Bible study class at the Riverside Church, a liberal congregation, but he said he has not discussed his changed sexual orientation there.

“I am looking to change my life these days,” Prince, who is HIV-positive, told Gay City News. “I am looking for a female who I can marry and have my sperm washed and have children... With me going to church, I feel myself that I must try to live by the Bible, I must try to live by God’s law.”

Sad, completely and utterly sad. This man blames himself. How can he be this confused? This story is going to bother me for a long time.

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