Indo-Caribbean Community Member Brutally Attacked for Being Gay
Outraged Community Leaders Call for Change
June 24, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shabana Sharif, shabana.sharif@gmail.com
NEW YORK, June 24, 2013 - Yesterday, Mohamed (Zaman) Amin was viciously attacked in a hate crime at Players Bar and Restaurant in Queens. A photo of Zaman with blood pouring out of his head and on to his face and clothes was shared on the internet today. Zaman is a dancer and activist for LGBTQ equality in the New York Indo-Caribbean community.
Community leaders have rushed to express condemnation of this violent attack and commitment to combatting homophobia.
The organizations Chutney Pride, the Indo-Caribbean Alliance, Jahajee Sisters, the Rajkumari Cultural Center, Sadhana, and Sangam- Indo-Caribbean Queer Voices, released the following statements:
“This disgusting violence is unacceptable. It is high time for us to be addressing the real issue of anti-gay hate that plagues our community and makes it an unsafe place to be. Chutney Pride is here to support Zaman and help uproot homophobia in the Indo-Caribbean community.” - Mohamed Q. Amin, Chutney Pride
We are distressed to learn of the attack on Zaman, who has been a leading activist for LGBTQ rights in the Caribbean community. This kind of violence follows other recent violent attacks we have seen against gay men in NYC. Fortunately, we are determined to show that there are far more of us who stand in solidarity with Zaman than those would rather see the LGBTQ community silenced again. - Richard David, Indo-Caribbean Alliance
“What happened to Zaman is deplorable. We as a community can no longer refuse to confront cultural biases against LGBTQ persons and the violence that it promotes. LGBTQ people are our friends and family members and, if they are not safe, this is a problem that affects us all.” - Rohan Sooklall, Sangam
“This is a disgusting act of violence based on rigid gender norms that result in the persecution of LGBTQ people. For too long, we have been silent about the way our culture denigrates people based on their sexual orientation. The time for creating change is long overdue. We stand in solidarity with Zaman.” - Shivana Jorawar, Jahajee Sisters
“Zaman’s presence in our community has been incredibly valuable. As an artist, he has helped to keep the Indo-Caribbean traditions alive and has brought joy to so many people. Our community needs to progress and take a stand against ignorance and hatred.” - Pritha Singh, Rajkumari Cultural Center
“We at Sadhana believe in the principle of ahimsa and condemn all forms of violence. As a progressive coalition of Hindu Americans, we condemn the violent attack on Mohamed (Zaman) and demand that the Ozone Park and Richmond Hill residents strongly condemn this act of violence as well. Zaman is a human being and should not be seen as any different from any other human in this world. ”- Rohan Narine, Sadhana
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Outraged Community Leaders Call for Change
June 24, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shabana Sharif, shabana.sharif@gmail.com
NEW YORK, June 24, 2013 - Yesterday, Mohamed (Zaman) Amin was viciously attacked in a hate crime at Players Bar and Restaurant in Queens. A photo of Zaman with blood pouring out of his head and on to his face and clothes was shared on the internet today. Zaman is a dancer and activist for LGBTQ equality in the New York Indo-Caribbean community.
Community leaders have rushed to express condemnation of this violent attack and commitment to combatting homophobia.
The organizations Chutney Pride, the Indo-Caribbean Alliance, Jahajee Sisters, the Rajkumari Cultural Center, Sadhana, and Sangam- Indo-Caribbean Queer Voices, released the following statements:
“This disgusting violence is unacceptable. It is high time for us to be addressing the real issue of anti-gay hate that plagues our community and makes it an unsafe place to be. Chutney Pride is here to support Zaman and help uproot homophobia in the Indo-Caribbean community.” - Mohamed Q. Amin, Chutney Pride
We are distressed to learn of the attack on Zaman, who has been a leading activist for LGBTQ rights in the Caribbean community. This kind of violence follows other recent violent attacks we have seen against gay men in NYC. Fortunately, we are determined to show that there are far more of us who stand in solidarity with Zaman than those would rather see the LGBTQ community silenced again. - Richard David, Indo-Caribbean Alliance
“What happened to Zaman is deplorable. We as a community can no longer refuse to confront cultural biases against LGBTQ persons and the violence that it promotes. LGBTQ people are our friends and family members and, if they are not safe, this is a problem that affects us all.” - Rohan Sooklall, Sangam
“This is a disgusting act of violence based on rigid gender norms that result in the persecution of LGBTQ people. For too long, we have been silent about the way our culture denigrates people based on their sexual orientation. The time for creating change is long overdue. We stand in solidarity with Zaman.” - Shivana Jorawar, Jahajee Sisters
“Zaman’s presence in our community has been incredibly valuable. As an artist, he has helped to keep the Indo-Caribbean traditions alive and has brought joy to so many people. Our community needs to progress and take a stand against ignorance and hatred.” - Pritha Singh, Rajkumari Cultural Center
“We at Sadhana believe in the principle of ahimsa and condemn all forms of violence. As a progressive coalition of Hindu Americans, we condemn the violent attack on Mohamed (Zaman) and demand that the Ozone Park and Richmond Hill residents strongly condemn this act of violence as well. Zaman is a human being and should not be seen as any different from any other human in this world. ”- Rohan Narine, Sadhana
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