LI Gay & Lesbian Youth Center in Bayshore Vandalized
By BRUCE-MICHAEL GELBERT
photo provided by Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth Center web site, www.ligaly.com
Van
On the morning of February 2, staff members of the Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth Center (LIGALY) and Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders, Long Island (SAGE-LI) arrived at the center, at 34 Park Avenue in Bayshore, in Suffolk County, to find the Center's front door and the window in it smashed and its 2003 Ford van's windows broken and tires slashed.
photo provided by
Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth Center
Door
Dr. David Kilmnick, Chief Executive Officer of LIGALY, reported that damage to the van is estimated at $4,000 and to the front door, at $1,000. LIGALY requests that donations be made to the Center, through www.ligaly.com, in order to assist in maintaining it as a safe space for the community.
The Suffolk County Police Hate Crimes Unit is investigating the vandalism and requests that anyone with information contact the Hate Crimes Unit at 631/852-6323 or Crime Stoppers at 800/220-TIPS.
Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy declared, "This type of attack against the gay community will not be tolerated in Suffolk County. Our police department will seek to apprehend any wrongdoer and help ensure that there is swift justice to deter any such activity in the future."
