Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino is condemning a series of recent attacks against gay and lesbian teen-agers and reminding county residents that there are services available to support victims of anti-gay bullying or violence.
“In this region and across the nation, there have been a number of horrific attacks on gay teens as well as suicides of gay youths who were subjected to violence or bullying,” Astorino said. “All of us must confront this hatred head-on and commit ourselves to putting a stop to it.”
While Westchester has not been the site of any of the recent incidents, Astorino said it was important to remind gay youth and their families that assistance is available in Westchester for anyone facing violence or harassment as a result of their sexual orientation or for any other reason.
“It is heartbreaking to read about young people who took their lives after being subjected to violence or harassment,” Astorino said. “In Westchester, I want our young people to know that there is help and support available for them and they do not have to feel alone.”
Norman Friedman, a member of the Westchester County Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Advisory Board, said anyone who is the victim of violence should immediately contact the police. Any bullying or harassment occurring at school should be reported to school officials. In addition, he said, there are a variety of organizations where additional help and support are available, including local chapters of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG.) Other valuable resources are The Loft, for adults, and Center Lane, for youth, both in White Plains.
Astorino noted that all Westchester County police officers and recruits receive awareness and sensitivity training at the Westchester Police Academy on LGBT issues and concerns. Just last week, Friedman conducted a lecture on LGBT issues for veteran county police officers during the annual In-Service Training at the Police Academy.
The LGBT advisory board, which advises the county executive on issues of concern in the LGBT community, is also involved in a broad range of public outreach, including making presentations and providing information to civic and community groups, schools, law enforcement and social services professionals.
Links to organizations offering advice and service:
- Westchester County LGBT Advisory Board
- The Trevor Project
- The federal government’s Stop Bullying Now site for kids
- National PTA Bullying site, with parent guides
- Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
- GLSEN's "Be An Ally" Week
- Community Matters, Empowering Youth
- American Association of School Administrators Special Edition on School Bullying
- National Center for Bullying Prevention
- Consortium to Prevent School Violence
- It Get's Better Project