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Anti-gay hate crime leaves London man 'raw'; second in two weeks
The attack comes just two weeks after the story of Brandon Wright, a gay man who jumped from a moving truck and has claimed he was assaulted because of his sexual orientation. LondonTopic.ca has learned that the most recent incident took place at approximately 3 a.m., Sunday morning, as two gay men were walking hand in hand in the area of Central Avenue and Maitland Street. Michelle Boyce, media relations with the London-based HBT Working Group (Homophobia, Bi-phobia, Transphobia), said the group was contacted by one of the victims of the most recent assaults, Erik Rozenski. Rozenski was celebrating his 27th birthday Saturday, and was walking along Central Avenue with his boyfriend (name withheld) when they were centred out by two unidentified males who made "homophobic remarks relating to the fact they were holding hands," Boyce said. The following is a written statement made by Rozenski and submitted to the HBT Working Group: Erik: " I was walking home with my boyfriend on Central Ave. We were holding hands. We passed two guys who said 'gross, they're probably going to fuck each other tonight.' We just brushed it off, didn't reply, kept walking, they ran up behind us and punched both me and my boyfriend. My boyfriend managed to get away and get his cell phone out while the other guy hit me and knocked me on the ground, the moment my boyfriend made contact with 911 they took off running. Luckily there was a police officer in the area. They managed to catch the one that hit me, but the other got away. However, the one they caught gave the other guy away and he was eventually captured as well. I got a gash on my head, black eye, broken toe, minor scrapes and bruises. My boyfriend just got a bump on the head. I was more mentally hurt from it as I hyperventilated and passed out till I woke up in the hospital. Pictures were taken by LPD of my injuries and statements reconfirmed yesterday (Sunday). I have not been advised yet, if the charges have been formally set or what the charge would be for this hate crime, like what it would be called. " "I didn't think this would happen to me," Rozenski told LondonTopic.ca, despite hearing of recent attacks on gays – one in Thunderbay on Jake Raynard, 30, who was smashed in the face with a brick during an attack by eight men Sept. 4, and the Sept. 8 attack in London on Brandon Wright. Rozenski said he can usually defend himself but in this instance he was caught off-guard as the attack came from behind. He said he was more concerned that his boyfriend wasn't harmed and took the brunt of the attack in order to protect him. Rozenski said he thought this type of anti-gay violence would be more prominent in smaller communities than London, and that despite the efforts of Fanshawe Spectrum and PrideWestern, it appears to be more prominent among younger people. "The way I've seen it's been more of hate crimes and attacks amongst students – amongst UWO students, amongst Fanshawe students," he said. He said the emotional impact of the attack is worse than the physical injuries he sustained. "It is quite recent and raw. I tried going to the corner store last night. I couldn't make it. It's only a block away – I turned around and came home." London police Const. Amy Phillipo confirmed the assaults did take place and the investigation into what has been tagged as a hate crime is ongoing. "The suspects took off running southbound towards Maitland," Phillipo said. "One person has been arrested and charged," she said. Michael Kyle Gordon, 22, of Richmond Hill, is charged with assault. A second suspect is still outstanding, Phillipo said. That suspect is described as a white male in his 20s, 5'8" tall, short dark hair and wearing a black T-shirt at the time of the attacks. Anyone with any information regarding this incident and information regarding the outstanding suspect is asked to contact London police at 519-661-5670 or contact Crime Stoppers online (see link) or call 1-800-222-TIPS. The HBT Working Group is a London, Ontario, based initiative by concerned agencies and individuals with a mandate to reduce and eliminate violence and hate against lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgendered individuals in the London area through education and the distribution of information. Current members include: AIDS Committee of London, Buck Wilds, Cross Cultural Learner Centre, Diversity Training Live, Hate Helpline (LUSO Community Centre), HIMMM Project, London Police Department, Members of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) Community, Middlesex-London Health Unit, Pride London Festival, PrideWestern, Spectrum Fanshawe, TransPULSE. New survey information released in London by the Southwestern Ontario LGBT Health Initiative indicates hate crimes against the LGBT population double that of New York State. A recent health survey published for New York State reports that 13 per cent of respondents experienced physical or sexual assault due to homophobia or transphobia, while over 27 per cent of respondents of a London health survey reported the same. Area where most recent attack took place View Larger Map RELATED STORY - UPDATE: Suspect in gay hate-crime arrested at airport WEB: London Crime Stoppers |
| i am a gay male and this is so typical of london this is why i am affraid to be myself in my own city i walk the streets always in fear and worry and as much as we think we live in a free world it just isnt true. i think everyone should have the same rights as everyone else this in my opinion is no different then attacking someone for being handicapped because we are still human beings with feelings, we care, we love, we fear, we are not different then anyone else except we would never attack people on the street outta hate for being different and we are the ones that are gross and deserve this?? its amazing how the world still has no idea how movies/the media breed homophbia still to this day and encourage hate among young people when are we gonna stand up and say enough is enough we all all humans and everyone has their place in the world so stop the hate because one day our community will be too big to ignore anymore. theres only one way to put a stop to this rise together against the hate and say as a people we have mattured enough to know there is no room in this world for hate, how long can we ignore whats happening in our streets?? conner nash |
| By: Conner Nash on 09/28/2009 |
| It's interesting to note that Mr. Rozenski's feeling that the anti gay sentiment is more prominent among the students seems to be verified by the fact that London has such a higher concentration of 'reported' anti gay hate crime incidents than the State of New York...."the proof is in the pudding", as they say. My sincere sympathy and empathy for you, Mr. Rozenski for this very brutal attack which you in no way deserved. My own dear brother was knocked down, robbed and assaulted, cracking his jaw and breaking teeth, after leaving a nightclub in Hamilton a few years back and that ripped our hearts out...He's a good MAN and we couldn't love him any less because he is who he is and NO ONE will ever convince me that God loves him any less than He does me! |
| By: RubyO on 09/28/2009 |
| I can't believe that we don't have a zero tolerence policy yet and if we do clearly proper messures are not being taken. these students that come to OUR tcity to go to school have no respect for us or our city they trash it, get into fights, destroy downtown alot of these kids from outta town dont care. It's time for the city of london to do something already because this is sad u can only sit back and watch things get worse for so long until u have to step in and say enough is enough respect us, our city and our community! I think these students should be kicked outta school for their actions. |
| By: Troy David Nash on 09/28/2009 |
| I'm very sorry as well to hear about this attack on Mr. Rozenski and his boyfriend. I don't understand why people still do this kind of crap. I'm heterosexual myself, not that it matters, but this kind of thing really ticks me off. Just remember we're not all like that man. Gay, bi, trans, hetero, we're all Canadian. There's those of us in the city who would gladly come to your assistance if we were around when something like this happens, so don't be afraid to go out in public because of this. If they can't understand your sexuality that's their problem not yours. Hang in there, best wishes. |
| By: Mr. Grim on 09/28/2009 |
| When IS the city and the London Police going to really start taking these types of crimes very seriously? Sounds like the good old days when domestic violence against women and children was swept under the rug for so long. I totally agree with Troy. NO TOLERANCE! |
| By: pessy on 09/28/2009 |
| Why is it we always get bent out of shape because a "gay" was assaulted? Why aren't we just as concerned when anyone gets assaulted? I'm sure there were more assaults this weekend then just this incident. |
| By: Franklin on 09/28/2009 |
| I am the mother of a gay son attending Western and I grew up in London. I now live in Toronto. Franklin wonders why we aren't just as concerned when anyone gets assaulted--well we are, BUT gay men are targeted, just as women are, only in a very different way. Violence is violence. These 'thugs' should be locked up. We are not living in the 1960's any more. When Michael Gordon gets his time in front of a judge, he needs to be sentenced to learning about tolerance, and understanding of how to behave in our wonderful country. How dare he decide what is right and what is not. I hope his parents feel the pain that he has placed on Erik and his partner. I also hope they see how poorly they raised this young man (and I use the term loosely--he is a thug) You would want to be able to think that two young men would be safe walking home, just as we would with two young women...BUT it is just not so. You cannot be careful enough...even in London. There are still alot of homophobic men. Perhaps they are unsure of their own sexual identity and feel threatened? Food for thought..... |
| By: Shan on 09/28/2009 |
| well franklin it is the fact it is a hate crime its no different then someone being beat up because of the color of their skin is that not a big deal??? there will always be violence but this kind of hate sends the message we dont know the difference between right and wrong in our community and the fact these young kids couldnt care less says alot about the next generation. |
| By: Conner Nash on 09/28/2009 |
| Thank you for all the feed back and support. I agree that regardless of who you are assault IS assault HOWEVER, this assault was specifically targeted against gay males because I was holding my boyfriends hand and was called a "faggot" thus making this specific assault a hate crime. |
| By: Erik on 09/28/2009 |
| Erik, I'm so sorry you & your boyfriend had to deal with such immaturity, but I give you props for being the bigger man and initially trying to brush off their comments. Unfortunately when you're in a situation where you're dealing with close-minded individuals "taking the higher road" is almost impossible. I hope you and any other gay/bi/lesbian individual will never have to deal with this kind of nonsense again.. this is definitely a despicable hate crime and I feel ashamed something like this has taken place in London. Stay strong & continue to be yourself! |
| By: Amanda on 09/29/2009 |
| I think it's disgusting how society is these days. Makes you wonder if you even want to have kids with these kind of narrow minded people in the world. I wouldn't want my kids to suffer one day in a world full of hatred and ignorance. I believe God only has the right to judge, and we as people should just be respectful of one another. No one is better than another because of their sexual orientation, social status or anything on the outside. What makes a person is what's on the inside, and obviously a lot of people have ugly hearts. It's sad that we as human beings would hurt one another for such things. As if this world isn't already full of enough hate and anger.. Why can't we just be open minded enough to accept one another for our differences? :\ |
| By: Lisa on 09/29/2009 |
| My house was broken into. The persons who did this did not like me, therefore I am a victim of a hate crime too. Where is the media and police? Now if I got mugged at the same spot and the perp called me a name, would it get hate crime status too? There are people who hate the Leafs. Should we make laws forcing people to love the Leafs and not say anything bad about them? |
| By: ICE COLD on 09/29/2009 |
| Clearly a hate crime without question. However what are the civil implications? I think an example ought to be set. Is there a ceiling on mental anguish/physical suffering? |
| By: Comment Cassie on 09/29/2009 |
| My husband and I are seriously planning on moving back to London, where I am from. As an out, gay man It disgusts me that this could happen anywhere in Canada in the year 2009. Considering other similar, recent events in London, I am wondering if we should reconsider our move. |
| By: Darryl Shanahan - Warren on 09/29/2009 |
| As this is a crime against those I like most, I have not held my boyfriends hand in public nor do I intend too. Young males are told daily to gay bash from peers. You are lucky to be alive with the hate that exists. Remember some youth today will do a kill thrill just to say they had a gay reason for doing it. I have seen the results of this kind of violence, I beg you to never show your care for each other in public again as it will get worse. PROUD PRIDE supporter. |
| By: Bob Whitley on 09/29/2009 |
| Dear Erik, I am so very sorry to hear what happened to you and your boyfriend this past Sunday morning. I agree,it was definitely a hate crime We have a mutual friend in the gay community who is one of my dearest friends. I've seen you on his friend's list on Facebook. Out of deep respect for both of you,I will e-mail him and tell him I've wrote you here. I don't know if he even knows what happened to you. There's a picture of you and him from Pride Toronto on his Face Book I am a legally blind,severely hearing impaired straight woman who was physically abused in childhood,by school peers and my father. I was also emotionally abused in relationships with men in adulthood. I don't consider myself a victim anymore and have moved past it and made huge changes in my life the last couple of years,the main one being"No one controls me anymore." I love and accept myself as I am,if others don't that's their problem. When I hear of hate crimes like this happening,it sickens me. Why can't people just accept and respect one another? I just wanted to reach out to you and let you know I understand. Recovery from such a horrible expereince doesn't happen overnight. You are in my thoughts and I wish you and your boyfreind all the best. Crystal |
| By: Crystal on 09/29/2009 |
| I am a transgendered female who moved to London from another large city. My 1st day walking around town by myself I was attacked by three young men. I successfully defended myself and will continue to do so. I WILL NOT hide, I WILL NOT stay hidden. I WILL NOT let these acts of hate and fear keep me from walking free. If I do the haters will win. The fear will reign. And NOTHING will change. I have had four attempts on my life and they only serve to remind me how precious my freedom is. "To Master others makes you strong, To master Yourself makes you FEARLESS" -Loa Tze |
| By: Fallon on 09/29/2009 |
| @ICE COLD: You are not of a minority, so you can't get bashed for being a member of a minority, so you choose not to try to understand that it is different for people who are. You choose to focus only on your privileged state and whine about others. Listen, if you got attacked for being not gay, then you also would be the victim of a hate crime. The sentencing enhancements for bias crimes cover white people, cover Jews and Catholics, cover everyone, not just gays or blacks or Muslims. The Leafs. Are you really so stupid? It's not a hate crime to say something bad about someone, it's a hate crime to identify the reason you are smashing my face in with a brick is because I'm gay and you don't like gay people. |
| By: Allan on 09/29/2009 |
| Though I am outraged and angered by this story, unfortunately I am not shocked. I am a lesbian living in a world, that yes, has come a long way from the archaic views of so many years ago, but nonetheless there are narrow minded, hateful people that have been raised and/or brainwashed in these supposed liberated times. I have not experienced any physical attacks, but I have experienced the hatred and prejudice from verbal attacks, have been shunned by people who I have thought were better than that. For the most part I have been lucky though. I have had the full support of my friends, family, and our church. My heart goes out to the 2 men attacked. Continue to show your love for each other, don't hide, don't lose faith, and know you are not alone, we are out there loving and supporting. Pride. |
| By: Jen M on 09/29/2009 |
| WOW....I feel very sorry for Erik and everyone who suffers from these ruthless crimes by IGNORANT people. Even the statements made by ICE COLD and Franklin show how they really feel against minorities and the gay community. The words speak your true feelings without you even having to say it directly. VERY SAD |
| By: time_to_change on 09/29/2009 |
| I hope that the charges laid will be the correct charges - HATE CRIME - not 'just' assault. Law enforcement needs to be pressured to lay the correct charges and we need to be very vocal about it if they don't. I am sorry for what you and your boyfriend have gone through Eric. I hope you know that there are many people, complete strangers, LGBT community members and their allies, that are behind you. |
| By: Kim on 09/29/2009 |
| Hate crime charges in Ontario must go through and be approved by the attorney general's office. Call or email Attorney General Chris Bentley. http://www.chrisbentley.onmpp.ca/ Ask him what his plans are. Where are the charges? |
| By: Comment Cassie on 09/29/2009 |
| Absolutely disgusting that this hate continues. As long as the police are the only thing that these homophobic attackers have to fear, it will continue. There needs to be a climate created where these attackers fear 'messing with the wrong one' - in other words the message needs to get out there that some gays can bash back. |
| By: Jay on 09/30/2009 |
| Why are people so confused as to whether this was a hate crime or not??? It is definitely a hate crime because these people were targeted and attacked for being something that they can't help or control, just as african american people cannot help or control the colour of their skin. You can't help who you love and you shouldn't be hated for that in the end. |
| By: Dr Kayle on 09/30/2009 |
| Chris Bentley and the Mc Guinty Liberals,London Police Officers,Government employees and social workers openly discriminate against separated and single Fathers of all ethnic baqckgrounds,sexual orientations and walks of life. Throwing labels and small minded perceptions is the real crime out there....pandering to special interest is not the answer either. We are all discriminated against by authority and bigots in some form everyday...To bad Dad`s get thrown in jail every day for bogus charges,wheres the outcry from such a blatantly corrupt Court and law enforcement system....Zero Tolerance on Discrimination and on Sexist political agendas, and those that lie in order to press charges or in court should be tried and convicted as well.Cops Judges Lawyers and those that commit perjury should be charged and convicted also........Many of you here have no clue how the Justice system operates or how inept and bias it truly is. Go spend some time at the London court house and see how common discrimination and hate is by those that are suppose to protect us from it. |
| By: Jeff P on 09/30/2009 |
| I saw this coming, being victim of a hate crime about 2 1/2 years ago in London as a transgendered person. Waking up from being unconscious in Victoria Hospital from a blunt object to the head and kicked repeatedly isn't fun. Apparently its what i deserve for being born this way. I can't believe some humans are this unforgiving. If you fit that category, I plead you to google "BSTc", and try to understand what you are hating. |
| By: Kristen on 10/26/2009 |
| Assaults of this sort happen in London quite frequently, and this probably was not as much of a hate crime as everyone thinks. People get jumped and assaulted for absolutely no reason. Unfortunately there exist individuals who are simply looking for a fight. They approach random people and try to provoke them in any way they can... and if their victims don't get provoked, they still initiate physical fights. In the last couple of years, 3 people I know have been assaulted in such incidents in London. |
| By: Peter on 11/11/2009 |
| No Motive? I doubt it, so does science. |
| By: Joe Marrentte on 12/06/2009 |
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