The Question Is Not Simply Where Does Hate Violence End, But Where Does It Start?

Last month, Anthony Collao was at a party held by his gay-identified friends at a house in Woodhaven when five young people, none older than 17, pushed their way inside and violence ensued. Collao, who was perceived as gay by his attackers, was beaten to death. His death reminds us that anyone can be the target of hate violence, despite their sexual orientation, gender identity, and race -- but it doesn't tell us why. What went through the minds of those five young people as they broke in and beat Callao -- a stranger to them?

A week later, another young man, Damian Furtch, was attacked by two men as he exited a MacDonald's on Seventh Avenue in the West Village. Damian has spoken publicly about this incident and recounts that two men followed him and beat him while yelling anti-gay epithets at him. Damian suffered a broken nose and bruises to his face and head and required treatment at a nearby hospital.

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