Queer Avengers Concerned About Violence.

Activist group, The Queer Avengers, are concerned about the recent report of homophobic violence in Wellington. It is clearly an indication of the hatred still experienced by our communities.

Queer Avenger, Kassie Hartendorp says "Marriage Equality is all very well, but we have a lot more work to do in order to feel safe on our streets", she goes on to say "We responded to a series of attacks a couple of years ago by forming Queer Avengers, queerphobic violence is a real problem."

Queer Avengers are really trying to put this problem in the public arena, whilst understanding a desire for privacy, it is important to have a public awareness that violence against queer people still happens. Sara Fraser, of the Queer Avengers says "Queer bullying and queer bashings are everyone's issue, it shouldn't be left up to us to stop this happening; we have as much right to walk the streets holding hands as anyone else, without fear for our safety."

We have a population of homeless youth in New Zealand, already shunned by family, school and friends, Fraser says "Young homeless queers are already struggling; being vulnerable to street violence is putting them at higher risk, it is not acceptable" she goes on to say "we all need to own this problem and end it."

Queer Avengers will continue to challenge all forms of queerphobia.

ends

© Scoop Media