Gay singer Aviance leaves hospital after beating

[racaulk]

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Gay performance artist Kevin Aviance was released from the hospital on Monday after suffering a beating that rights advocates said was a reminder of the hate crimes gays still face, even in New York City.

"Kevin is in a lot of pain, mentally and physically. He faces a long road to recovery," his lawyer, Jay Sanchez, said after Aviance was wheeled out of the hospital, his jaw wired shut and his leg in a brace.

"We all know it's happening out there all the time," Sanchez said of violence against gays.

Aviance could not speak for himself because of his injuries but he formed the words "thank you" with his lips to the media. He wore large sunglasses and a rainbow-colored sleeve.

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Link: http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=peopleNews&storyID=2006-06-12T211632Z_01_N12328314_RTRIDST_0_PEOPLE-AVIANCE-DC.XML

[Erika]

1. This is the result of the hatred W introduced into our society

With his backing of the right wing radical evangelists, like Falwell, who saw fault in a purple teletubbie.

[iconoclastNYC]

2. Yup. Hopefully this is a wakeup call to all the apathetic gay young people

[DarkTirade]

3. Hopefully it's a wakeup call to ALL people

[The Brethren]

4. my support

to Kevin Aviance and the 3 other gay men attacked in Queens in their recoveries. The men/boys who attacked them are not only bigots, but cowards! Ironically, in some areas, the penalties for a "hate crime"..seen also a crime of passion, carries a lesser penalty then if they were charged with simply assault (and/or battery) for ex. Not sure if it's the same in NY

The violence against gays needs to stop!