Fight or Flight?

Recently some white newcomers to our block, were gay bashed in front of their brownstone at 9:30 at night. Not surprisingly, they're moving out. I find this even more disturbing than the increase in local muggings that have occurred over the last year or so. Sure, these guys dressed flamboyantly - Big Joe noticed one of them strolling down the street in a pair of hot pink short shorts the other day. But just like a woman who dresses provocatively is not asking to be raped, neither is a lesbian, gay or transgender person asking to get beat up for dressing up. Interestingly, if you look at Bed-Stuy apartment shares on Craigslist, you'll discover that at least half the people who've recently moved to the neighbourhood are gay. Bed-Stuy is the new Chelsea. The new Hell's Kitchen. So what's the answer? Self defense classes? Dressing like a homeboy?

One small solution for one night of the week is the Right Rides program, which is currently offering 'Safe Walk':

Safe Walk is a free service made possible by bike patrol volunteers. Patrols are teams of two or more volunteers who ride their own bikes, wear designated RightRides/Safe Walk Patrol vests, and safely escort callers by walking them to their destination.

Safe Walk is offered to anyone in Bed-Stuy on Friday nights from 11pm-2am. Their dispatch number is: (866) 977- WALK (9255). They're also looking for more volunteers who own bikes.