Melissa Cullens

gayffiti:

SHOCKING, SAD, AND VERY CLOSE TO HOME.

Less than a month ago, Barie Shortell, a gay Brooklynite was brutally attacked on North 4th and Wythe. His attackers broke his nose, jaw and eye socket in what would seem like a robbery attampt….only thing is they didn’t steal anything. Before the attack they were taunting him with derogatory anti-gay comments. The sole purpose of attack was hate. 

After the attack, Barie endured 9.5 hours of surgery to reconstruct his face. He is healing now, but like many Americans he was uninsured and was left with a HUGE hospital bill. To contribute there is a benefit account set up to assist with Barie’s hospital bills, after care such as physical therapy, legal fees and other expenses related to the crime, please send donations to:

The Barie Shortell Benefit Account

Minnco Credit Union

311 Credit Union Drive

Isanti, MN 55040  

Here is a link to the website set up for info on the event:http://bariebenefit.com/default.aspx

Duly posted. For what it is worth I heard about this disgusting act at last week’s Community Board meeting. It was described as being “pretty bad”. This is an understatement (he was in surgery for over nine hours to have his face reconstructed). Please be a good neighbor and help spread the word about what happened to Mr. Shortell. Those who are able, please tender a donation to help defray medical bills and/or attend the previously mentioned fundraiser at Blackout:

Below is info on a benefit to raise money for Barie’s hospital bills.

Gay Bash: A Benefit For Barie Shortell
Wednesday, March 23 2011 starting at 7:00 p.m.
Blackout Bar
916 Manhattan Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11222
Cost of admission: $35.00 (includes three hour open bar)

Let’s show ‘em that we north Brooklynites take care of our own!

Additionally, a Facebook page has been created.

Not in my neighborhood.