Asheville News

Rumor control: Gay bashings in Asheville over the weekend?

Jason Sandford May 4, 2010

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

There’s a rumor being reported on Twitter today that there have been four “gay bashings” in the Montford neighborhood and downtown Asheville since Saturday. While there are no sources cited for the information, the Twitter folks say the suspects are two or three white males armed with a pipe and driving around in a red Volvo.

Another Twitter post reports that there will be an “anti-bashing community march” through the Montford neighborhood from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on ~~March~~ May 12. The march will start at Todd’s Tasties restaurant, according to the post.

So, does anyone have any more information about these alleged assaults? Should people be on alert? Who is organizing the Montford march?

Asheville City Councilman Gordon Smith says he’s asking for more information, and reports: “source says 4 attacks on ‘queer punks,’ none of whom will report to APD.”

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

Doc Watson, 87, @ Merlefest 2010

Merlefest 2010 sand sculpture

14 Comments

asafehouseinmontford May 12, 2010

I saw the march – it was HUGE – all kinds of folks, black, white, old, young, gay, straight, lots of dogs and it was great. I thought this stuff was so 199O’s – absolutely will not be tolerated in this neighborhood – we all look out for each other here so bugger off you few punks – you are very sad.

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Maybe new to town May 10, 2010

We are gay couple thinking about moving to your fair city. How gay friendly is it in Asheville?

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gayborhood May 6, 2010

The montford march is being organized by Samantha Soper and a few colleagues.

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free May 6, 2010

one thing that i know is: asheville is a town that the beer has already been drunk and the weed already smoked!

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Media Watcher May 5, 2010

Why is the Asheville Citizen-Times letting MountainX scoop it on covering this news story?

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... May 5, 2010

what the fuck is wrong with this city?

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craggybender May 4, 2010

Maybe we should march on top of these d-bags. This crap’s gotta stop Ash. I know Chief Hogan’s not happy with this stuff so I’m sure he’ll shut it down quick but these young punks need a lesson.

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Nikki May 4, 2010

The stories are definitely true. I know one victim personally and another through a friend. The march is supported by the UNCA Alliance but they did not organize it. The facebook event page is here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=114137015292415

Other similar incidents have occurred in Montford this year. Targets have their own reasons for not filing police reports, not ours to speculate, but an effort is underway to make a public record of the attacks.

Take care of each other out there.

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nic May 4, 2010

actually one doesn’t wonder that at all because most of the anarchists were queer. that’s what is usually meant by ‘queer punks.’ it doesn’t make any sense that queers would bash queers.

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stumbled May 4, 2010

if you are wondering more about the march.. here is the facebook event page

http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=114137015292415

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Ash May 4, 2010

Thanks Murph!

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A concerned citizen May 4, 2010

I can assure you that these rumors are true. While I can’t confirm every detail, I personally know one of the victims. The attack did happen, and it was a lead pipe.

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Murphy May 4, 2010

The march will occur on March 12?

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Just a thought.. May 4, 2010

With all the youth being in Asheville for the religious party at the civic center you wonder if the Gay Bashing and the so called Anarchist aren’t somehow all related. Lots of impressionable youth in town for that event at the Civic Center. Hey I’m just saying. Maybe the kids got bored and tried to teach Asheville a lesson or something. Just a thought..

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