Photo-essay: Right to feel safe: Stop hate crimes NOW!!!! Protest March, NYC.

Statement: Action Group Right to Feel Safe is fed up and has taken the initiative to organize a march against hate crime. Right to feel safe consists of a group of friends of Damian Furtch who each have dealt with anti-gay violence in the past.


On an overcast spring day, a colorful contingent of community activists, supporters and friends assembled under the arch in NYC's Washington Square Park in response to the recent gay bashing of twenty-six year old Damien Furtch, in front of a McDonald's in Greenwich Village.

(Click on any image to enlarge)



Damien had just finished his shift at the Pink Teacup Restaurant in the wee hours of the morning of March 30th, 2011 where he was approached and subsequently attacked by two men, reportedly because he was wearing pink attire. The attack left Damien with two black eyes, other bruises and emotional scarring. Since the incident, one of the attackers has been arrested, while the other is still at large.



The protest march kicked off at Washington Square park and continued through the streets of Greenwich Village, stopping traffic and commanding attention from curious onlookers from all parts of the village.











The marchers, chanted loudly, blew whistles and made bold statements; some with their fashion choices, others with signs and slogans.












Bruncher's dining alfresco had front row seats to the protest march.



Reflection of the protest march.



Protester's marched through the city freely and openly, under a ray of brotherhood, sisterhood and a deep concern for the LGBT community.








At one point during the march, a female protester exclaimed that the African-American man pictured here "touched" her as he walked by. Members of the security detail called the Circle Crew approached the man in question, who explained everything off as an innocent mistake.

Peace prevailed and another LGBT protest commenced with a lingering determination to stand up to injustices happening in the LGBT community.



Member's of the Circle Crew provided security detail for the march.



The McDonald's restaurant where Damien Furtch was attacked. West 3rd street, Greenwich Village.



Damien Furtch


One of Damien's attackers is still at large. Tipsters can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or submit tips at nypdcrimestoppers.com or text info to 274637 (CRIMES), entering TIP577.