KEVIN AVIANCE BASHED
So glad they caught the bashers! Seriously injured but defiant, I am sure that Kevin is already planning his chic court room ensemble from his hospital bed!
NY TIMES:
3 Arrested in Attack on Singer on East Side
By KAREEM FAHIM
Published: June 11, 2006
A Manhattan singer was taunted and beaten early yesterday by a group of young men who shouted anti-gay slurs and then broke his jaw as he walked in the East Village, the police and the singer's publicist said. During the attack, the singer said, no bystanders came to his aid.
The singer, Kevin Aviance, 38, who has recorded a number of popular dance songs, underwent surgery for a broken jaw at Beth Israel Medical Center last night, said his publicist, Len Evans, who said he talked with Mr. Aviance after the beating.
Two 20-year-old men and a 16-year-old boy were arrested in connection with the beating last night. The men, Akino George of Townsend Avenue in the Bronx and Sears Jarell of Newark, and the 16-year-old, who lives within blocks of where the police said the attack took place, were charged with first degree assault as a hate crime, the police said.
According to Mr. Aviance, Mr. Evans said, he was heading to his Chelsea home about 1 a.m. yesterday after leaving Phoenix, a bar on East 13th Street, where he had been relaxing with friends. As he walked on East 14th Street near First Avenue, Mr. Evans said, Mr. Aviance was approached by six or seven young men who shouted anti-gay slurs and threw objects at him, including a spray can that one of them had fished out of a trash bin.
One of the young men punched Mr. Aviance, and the others attacked him.
"They dragged him to the curb," said Mr. Evans, adding that Mr. Aviance said that the men threatened to kill him. "There were pedestrians everywhere. No one helped him."
The young men stole Mr. Aviance's cellphone, Mr. Evans said. After the singer passed out, some bystanders apparently came to help him, Mr. Evans said.
Mr. Aviance performs in drag but was "dressed like a boy," before the attack, according to Mr. Evans. "They kept using these words. They said, 'You're not diesel.' He didn't know what that meant."
Mr. Evans said that the singer had planned to take part in next week's annual Gay Pride parade and festivities. "He won't be able to perform now that his jaw is wired shut," Mr. Evans said.
"Din Da Da," Mr. Aviance's infectious remake of a 1980's song, reached the top of the Billboard dance chart in August 1997, and another song, "Alive," was No. 1 on the chart in 2002.
ALSO A VIDEO LINK OF THE NEWS REPORT HERE: WCBSTV.COM
NY TIMES:
3 Arrested in Attack on Singer on East Side
By KAREEM FAHIM
Published: June 11, 2006
A Manhattan singer was taunted and beaten early yesterday by a group of young men who shouted anti-gay slurs and then broke his jaw as he walked in the East Village, the police and the singer's publicist said. During the attack, the singer said, no bystanders came to his aid.
The singer, Kevin Aviance, 38, who has recorded a number of popular dance songs, underwent surgery for a broken jaw at Beth Israel Medical Center last night, said his publicist, Len Evans, who said he talked with Mr. Aviance after the beating.
Two 20-year-old men and a 16-year-old boy were arrested in connection with the beating last night. The men, Akino George of Townsend Avenue in the Bronx and Sears Jarell of Newark, and the 16-year-old, who lives within blocks of where the police said the attack took place, were charged with first degree assault as a hate crime, the police said.
According to Mr. Aviance, Mr. Evans said, he was heading to his Chelsea home about 1 a.m. yesterday after leaving Phoenix, a bar on East 13th Street, where he had been relaxing with friends. As he walked on East 14th Street near First Avenue, Mr. Evans said, Mr. Aviance was approached by six or seven young men who shouted anti-gay slurs and threw objects at him, including a spray can that one of them had fished out of a trash bin.
One of the young men punched Mr. Aviance, and the others attacked him.
"They dragged him to the curb," said Mr. Evans, adding that Mr. Aviance said that the men threatened to kill him. "There were pedestrians everywhere. No one helped him."
The young men stole Mr. Aviance's cellphone, Mr. Evans said. After the singer passed out, some bystanders apparently came to help him, Mr. Evans said.
Mr. Aviance performs in drag but was "dressed like a boy," before the attack, according to Mr. Evans. "They kept using these words. They said, 'You're not diesel.' He didn't know what that meant."
Mr. Evans said that the singer had planned to take part in next week's annual Gay Pride parade and festivities. "He won't be able to perform now that his jaw is wired shut," Mr. Evans said.
"Din Da Da," Mr. Aviance's infectious remake of a 1980's song, reached the top of the Billboard dance chart in August 1997, and another song, "Alive," was No. 1 on the chart in 2002.
ALSO A VIDEO LINK OF THE NEWS REPORT HERE: WCBSTV.COM
posted by Lady Bunny at Sunday, June 11, 2006
45 Comments:
this is really sickens me.
all good thoughts to kevin.
Oh my God - poor Kevin.
He's a helluva talent and a marvellous performer. Best wishes to him on a speedy recovery.
p.s. Glad they caught the bastards who did it!
I am really against the death penalty, but TORTURE for the coward thugs is beyond needed!
Thats terrible.
The nicest man with the biggest cock.
WHY THEY GOTTA BEAT UP A DRAG QUEEN?
Heal fast honey...
The hatred has esculated thanks to Bush and the Religous Right publicly attacking gay marriage, thus giving the impression that gay people are not to be treated decently, thus it's okay to bash them.
May those fuckers who beat Kevin up burn in hell.
I hope Kevin heals really quickly! I'm sorry this happened to him...hell is too good for those sons-of-bitches.
Let them just stay in Newark forever. ;-) (Oh, I'm just KIDDIN'--make it Calumet City, IL.)
This makes my blood boil!
A speedy recovery to Kevin Aviance!
Thanks Mr. President, for spreading your "Save the Family" bullshit rhetoric. This is what we get from that load of ignorant crap.
This makes me sick to my stomach. Poor Kevin! The mental trauma will last a lot longer than the physical trauma. I hope he gets some justice.
What a shame...but Bunny,if their attacking bad drag acts...u better stay inside fer a while
Why beat up Kevin Aviance when CLaire Scandelle is still around.....
bunny, this is horrifying. my thoughts and energy are with kevin now...
Zikes, Scoob, watch out for fag bashers.
Not again, I thought we was over this
I thought this was behind us
I thought we had moved passed this sort of sophomoric hate crime
Oh, wait, we're in an unjust oilwar for the elite ultra rich, nevermind, go ahead, bash me, I desrve it, please, take all my money and fucking kill me too
They post the photos of child molesters on public websites-- why don't we start to post the photos of gay bashers to warn the public of this evil menace? I'd sure like to know if a gay basher lived in my neighborhood and where!
I'm thrilled they caught 3 of the bashers from the crowd. Sorry to be so skeptical, however but I half-expect them to walk with a slap on the wrist. We've all seen it happen before. This whole story just makes me so fucking mad. Those kids should be put in jail for a long time and made into bitches by some prison thug named Bruno!
To Chris Krakora's comment - AMEN -- let's indict Bush on this too. This administration is responsible for too many attacks and deaths, abroad and right here at home. I'd like to see Bush made into someone else bitch other than Cheney's.
As for attacking a drag queen -- they are stupid sons of bitches. Everyone knows that there is nothing tougher in this world than a drag queen -- they know how to fight because they have to. If Kevin wasn't outnumbered, I'd bet he'd have kicked those punk asses.
To James213's comment on Kevin's cock -- grow and and let's worry about his jaw right now. Geez -- this is serious. Not cool to to there now.
Stuff like this really makes me want to take the streets and beat the shit out of every punk that says fag, queer or freak. That'll make these little (closeted) shits think twice!
Maybe the Pink Panthers weren't such a bad idea ...
Nothing Good happens at that hour of the day, gurl should have taken a cab home, take a lesson miss thang, the children are gonna keep commin into the city to get their kicks, ain't that what the city has become. It ain't home nomore.
I got fag bashed long before anyone ever heard of George W. Bush so WHATEVER to that. I'm afraid this shit will continue after he's gone. Blame Bush for the war in Iraq and do something about it but don't blame him for everything.
Luckily there's been a lot of attention to this incident, with even Miss Lady Mayor Bloomberg speaking out about it. I hope that attention translates into people feeling they need to do something about this once the headlines turn to kittens stuck in sewers or flag burning.
The whole thing makes me sad and angry. I hope Kevin comes out of this okay. It's a bitch. The physical scars ain't shit compared to the feeling of looking over your shoulder and wondering if another punch is coming out of nowhere. Or worse the feeling that people stood by and did nothing. That's the kind of shit that lasts. Maybe those people on the street thought "it's just a faggot so who cares" or "let me mind my own business" or whatever. This isn't good for any of us.
I’m so sorry to hear that hate crimes are becoming more prevalent. I wish Kevin the best and a speedy recovery. In response to the notion of posting photo’s of known criminals that have participated in hate crimes, in Florida there is a push to gain signatures for a Ban gay marriage amendment. The result is that the bigots names, and addresses are publicly, outed.
www.knowthyneighbor.org/florida/
It helps knowing who is potentially dangerous and where they live. It’s a start!
That's despicable:( I can't believe no one tried to help. It's getting easier to lose faith in people hearing about this. I hope he's doing alright. I just read that he's still intent on performing at pride this month. Talk about a survivor!
..OK, WAIT, PUNCHIN' JUDY,...JUST LAST WEEK I SAW A 12FT TALL TRANNY WALKIN' DOWN MAGNOLIA IN THE VALLEY AND I THOUGHT..IN A VERY DIANNE ARBUS KINDA WAY, MY LIFE WAS COMPLETE, NOW YOU SHOWED UP !
GAWD LIFE IS GOOD!!..OH,,AND UM...KEVIN WHO?
Ooga Booga Veranda, or whatevah the hell yo name is, gr plz, shit
I ain't studin' yo ass
I was gay bashed by 6 guys in 1989.
But so far as helping...you see 4 guys hitting one, youre alone, what should you do?
Nobody helped me either. Fortunately a woman screamed out her window at them long enough for me to get away...so I guess that was help. But I mean on the street, if you are alone, what can you do without getting your own ass kicked too.
GAWD, NO NEED TO GET ALL NIGGERISH ON ME.
Kevin, I'm sorry to hear of the torment you experienced. My prayers are with you.
- DJ Special K
The CAGE - Hoboken.
To the Bush apologist who defends our dear President and says he bears no blame for violence against gays, read this:
New York police have reported 22 anti-gay bias crimes so far this year compared to 17 for the same date a year ago.
This is from a Reuters article. Just the facts, ma'am and they show an increase that should concern us all. I don't think anyone directly blames the Bush administration for this specific gay attack, but let's recognize that his rhetoric of hate and pandering to the far right encourage this type of behavior. When his father did his hate tour to Japan (when he threw up in front of everyong), it causes a spike in violence against Asian Americans, Asians living here and Asian tourists -- I saw it first hand. So let's not be so quick to disassociate Bush from an overall rise in hate crimes against gays in the US -- just a week after the bastard pushed for a Constitutional Amendmend banning gay marriage that served as a homophobic rallying point for the right wing.
So I'm trying to understand just why you would chose to defend Dubya (or the more appropriate abreviation Duh!)
If you are a Log Cabin Republican defending the party line -- then wake up dumbass -- this President isn't good even for squeeky-clean gay republicans (who are basically str8 save the occasional same-sex fucking).
If you are that apathetic to just look away, then shame on you -- that's how the bastard got re-elected (technically elected since he lost the 2000 election).
And if you are that jaded that you have to be negative about a gay-bashing, no wonder our community doesn't have a stronger response against these guys. And by the way, I feel very bad that anyone gets gay bashed and I truly regret it had to happen to you. But why are you so jaded when it happens to Kevin? I'd expect you to show more sympathy. Dayum! Don't you want this to stop? Or should everyone experience it because you did? Stupid!
Hey-
Found a few numbers to call to urge NYC Mayor and
District Attorney's office to press for felony
convictions for those thugs who beat up Kevin A in the
hate-fuelled attack last Saturday-
The NYDA website does not have a number to call about
general crimes, but they do have a "gay/lesbian..."
liason you can call- (212) 335-9291 Katie Doran,
Liaison- ( from http://www.manhattanda.org)
You could also try emailing Bloomberg
here- Email Mayor Bloomberg or
writing a letter to:
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg
City Hall
New York, NY 10007
Forward this info to many people so the authorities
get tons of messages demanding the attackers be held
accountable, and that NYC and the US will not tolerate
such outrageous acts of bigoted violence-
-JB
I hope those assholes pay for what they've done.
This was the most horrible attack- not just because of the idiots who actually attacked, but that no-one tried to help! Shame on all those passers-by who could not be bothered to stand up for what was right. Wishing a speedy recovery and lots of beautiful things, we're sending our hugs and thoughts to Kevin, and to the community in NYC.
Name-calling's fun so let me try another way.
Blaming Mr. President Fuckwad (or Mrs. Senator Stupid Ass or Mr. Mayor Moneybags) lets everyone else off the hook. I don't deny they have the ability and responsiblity to create better legislation or speak out when needed, but they come and go. They don't have the same long term effect as churches and the other institutions whose asses they kiss to get elected in the first place.
Making this about one political party or another is simple but kids grow up thinking queers are less than human. They learn that at home year round, regardless of who's in office. Blame the churches, blame the schools. Let's look at our own families and figure out what's happening.
I'm certainly not jaded about gay bashing. I'm just trying to keep an eye on the larger picture.
PS here's what's cynical:
racist comments "for laughs" in response to a posting about a hate-crime. Go figure.
what's really upsetting also besides the backward movement of our country where tolerance is concerned since Bush took office this country has taken (hell, since Regan-actually openmindedness became lost after the 60's)is:
New Yorkers-WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO OUR CITY?! The West Village has become frightening, and what once felt like home to "all who are different" has been taken over by homphobes and Bkly and Queens- I am a straight woman and I am terrified to walk past the corner of 7th Ave. and Christopher St! Having run mostly in gay circles since the early 80's, I am saddened and dismayed by what the once beautiful and open and free West Village has become. Yes, there is Chelsea, that is if you are okay with yuppies!Why have they taken over our "safe havens"- how did this happen?
More upsetting is the fact that since these kids are minors they will get off and continue to spread hate. Why are young children in the current"gay outing" culture of will&grace and Queer Eye still ignorant and hateful? This does start in the home.
Kevin with his fame has an excellent oppurtunity to bring this long-standing problem to full on light- most of America is ignorant and hopefully this high profile case will be a catalyst for change! It is admirable and he has made this so very public. Stay strong Kevin and use your power!
According to reports the bashers kept saying "you are not Deisel"
What does this mean? Is it slang or a name?
What I want to know is who or what is Deisel?
A drag queen from the Bronx or Newark?!
Was this random?
Kevin- I pray to God you perform at Gay Pride! Remember-
you don't have to speak to dance and lip sync! I think for this year's parade instead of boys in bikinis on every float(we've seen that before!) you should create a float which serves as a stage for a choreographed dance that reenacts the scene for the whole city to see so they can actually grasp what is happening to our community. Instead of endless parties,listen up NYC! Use this Gay pride for protesting and raising awareness, showing unity as a community against Bush's Big Brother approach. Let's remember the days of the Stonewall riots and the reason this parade was started in the first place. America has returned to a 50's mentality and we need to fight again for our rights!Everything our brothers and sisters worked so hard for in the 60's,70,sand early 80's is slowly slipping away and it takes a united front(BOTEGA!) to fight this erosion.
Kevin- I pray to God you perform at Gay Pride! Remember-
you don't have to speak to dance and lip sync! I think for this year's parade instead of boys in bikinis on every float(we've seen that before!) you should create a float which serves as a stage for a choreographed dance that reenacts the scene for the whole city to see so they can actually grasp what is happening to our community. Instead of endless parties,listen up NYC! Use this Gay pride for protesting and raising awareness, showing unity as a community against Bush's Big Brother approach. Let's remember the days of the Stonewall riots and the reason this parade was started in the first place. America has returned to a 50's mentality and we need to fight again for our rights!Everything our brothers and sisters worked so hard for in the 60's,70,sand early 80's is slowly slipping away and it takes a united front(BOTEGA!) to fight this erosion.
Who is deisel? Deisel is Vin Deisel, they thought by his look that he was trying to work the look of Vin Deisel, this is the mindset of the stupid children of today, nothing to look forward to and not the sharpest tools in the shed to begin with. The right message would be the fullest sentence allowable under law for this crime.
Maybe it relates to the slang term "diesel dyke" that refers to perceived masculine homosexual females or maybe it refers to the clothing brand with those fresh jungle man/woman/tree vegetiality photo ads.
Hope that helps.
;)
maybe diesel is a reaction to the high price of gas these days. they just angry because bush and his oil cronies making a mess in iraq while gettin filthy rich. not too smart but gay bashers are dumb. even dumber than me.
I remember when Mr. Aviance was in Toronto doing an Easter show at the "Guvernment" back in 1999 (1998?). I worked at that club then, and remember sitting on the cold concrete floor getting the decorations ready.....Mr. A waltzed in to do his sound check, along with Honey Dijon who was the Dj for that Party, (who was sweet, by the way). Kevin climbed on the stage and grumbled into the mic and did just a few "din din din's" was all it took as he took the microphone, then left. I have to admit, I thought "what a haughty, bitchy low class wanna be," and never gave him much thought after the show, however, no one deserves what happened to him. I wish him a speedy recovery and more glam.
Bunny,
I went through a similar experience a few weeks ago (my assault wasn't strictly anti-gay-related, though). Is there some way I can show Mr. Aviance my support? Does he have an email address?
My Dear Kevin,
you were the first fierceness I ever encountered. Those days back at Tracks in DC when you were hosting the closet door on Fridays, and all those Sunday nights at Kindergarten. Way before we made it to New York on that Bus that dropped us off at Sound Factory.
You've always led the way Mama, and have always been an insperation. Thanks.
I've been thinking about you all week, and hope and pray for your speedy recovery. I know you'll come out stronger than ever.
Werk Ms Aviance! Your ovah!
Take care of you....Love
David Martinez (I'll be back, very soon)
WERK MAMA!
What if it wasn't gay bashers but just really stuck up snotty new work jewish fashion police republican preppy queens?
Just goes to show you what jerks New Yorkers are! So, there were lots of witnesses around and no one jumped in to help? TYPICAL!!!
Kevin,
The energy that you poses & illuminate is something that words alone cant describe. As you passed by me at pride (i stood across the street from stonewall) & i saw you cry i felt your pain & i broke down myself, but as you turned & noticed me blowing kisses to you, you waved & smiled at me & at that moment i once again felt your energy & i was able to smile back with a feeling of extreme euphoria knowing that your strength is greater than that of any persons whom would try to bring you down. The unfortunate incident you encountered (due to pure ignorance) was a stepping stone baby, it was just another step up on that ladder to supreme ovahness & you've reached the top! I love you & if i may speak for all "We Love You"-- keep shining baby your illumination is brighter than any star in this universe. Lots of love now & always ----MUAH!!!!!!
Kevin,
The energy that you poses & illuminate is something that words alone cant describe. As you passed by me at pride (i stood across the street from stonewall) & i saw you cry i felt your pain & i broke down myself, but as you turned & noticed me blowing kisses to you, you waved & smiled at me & at that moment i once again felt your energy & i was able to smile back with a feeling of extreme euphoria knowing that your strength is greater than that of any persons whom would try to bring you down. The unfortunate incident you encountered (due to pure ignorance) was a stepping stone baby, it was just another step up on that ladder to supreme ovahness & you've reached the top! I love you & if i may speak for all "We Love You"-- keep shining baby your illumination is brighter than any star in this universe. Lots of love now & always ----MUAH!!!!!!
Great article! Thanks.
Thanks for interesting article.
Excellent website. Good work. Very useful. I will bookmark!
Post a Comment
<< Blog Home