Reader: Anti-gay attacks have increased since start of gay marriage debate

Unfortunately, our post about the horrific assault on Jared Olson, who says he was a victim of an anti-gay hate crime, inspired some homophobic commentary amid the support. The response to one negative post, from another victim of such an attack, contains both welcome defiance and an unsettling contention...

By Michael Roberts

September 6, 2013

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Unfortunately, our post about the horrific assault on Jared Olson, who says he was a victim of an anti-gay hate crime, inspired some homophobic commentary amid the support. The response to one negative post, from another victim of such an attack, contains both welcome defiance and an unsettling contention.

Tj Lightning writes:

I am also a gay man who lives in Denver who actually WAS attacked randomly outside a bar for being gay. Sorry you are unable to to see how often and likely it is to occur but it has picked up since the legalization of gay marriage debates. Your ignorance is your own problem. If there is more to the story we will find out, but your assumption is pitiful.

For more memorable takes, visit our Comment of the Day archive.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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