Shocking video is widely circulating across LGBTQ+ America of a beating that took place by a group of men attacking Lesbians and a trans woman. The attack occurred after a lesbian Christmas event for 400 people was held in Wynwood Miami. (VIDEO)
The news was first reported by NBC 6 South Florida and popular LGBTQ+ reporter Jamie Guirola.
Pandora Events, one of the nation’s largest lesbian event organizers held their annual Christmas White Party on Saturday, November 25 into the early morning hours of Sunday, November 26. The attack took place at approximately 3:30 as at least two lesbians and a trans woman were leaving the party.
Queer News Tonight had an exclusive interview with Alison Burgos, CEO of Pandora Events.
According to Burgos the group of men included an MMA fighter and a bouncer from a nearby club.
Queer News Tonight can confirm the actual exchange according to one of those attacked and Burgos. One victim said “This group of guys, basically, they just started screaming stuff at us, anti-lesbian comments, like, ‘You’re only lesbians because you haven’t received actual dick” Alison added that the assailants said “you need to get dick, you need to get dicked hard.” To which one of the women replied “why, you have a small dick.” That is when the violent beating began.
Because of the reference of why the women were lesbians means the case is now being investigated as a hate crime.
The victims can be heard telling the attackers that the police have been called and pleading with them to stop the violence. The video shows two attackers attacking a male friend of the group who tried to intervene. Burgos confirms all the women were punched including the Trans women.
One victim was punched and was knocked out as a result of the attack. Burgos said “Jennifer, one of those attacked was hospitalized. Lilly Ann, the Trans woman was hospitalized with a broken jaw and broken finger.”
The HRC, Equality Florida and NAACP have all issued warnings in 2023 that LGBTQ+ people have faced increasing hostility in Florida.
A Miami Police Department spokesperson told NBC News that authorities are actively working on the case. But it's been 3 weeks with no arrests made. A spokesperson said “Like any investigation, we have to dot the I’s and cross the T’s. We are working with our LGBTQ+ liaison and [State Attorney’s Office] hate crime task force.” Burgos was told “We have to make sure we have everything lined up before we initiate our arrest(s). I was told arresting and held accountable is not easy. Be Patient.”
Burgos is now trying to escalate some action. She said “I don’t know why they haven't been arrested. There are many witnesses. Many phone recordings. A friend was an eyewitness. I gave it two days and had to go to SAVE because there was no action. I am very surprised they were not arrested and then interviewed.”
According to Burgos one of the alleged attackers is MMA fighter identified as Brian Duran. He posted this in his social media saying “Crazy how some women will die and never experience a real cock (using a rooster emoji)”
Another major issue beyond accountability is the city's response to this shocking crime in Wynwood and Miami. Burgos reached out to the Wynwood Business Improvement District but doesn’t believe LGBTQ+ safety is important to them. Burgos said “I reached out to them for help. They have not responded.”
Add to that the response from the city of Miami. Mayor Francis Suarez has had no comment on the attack in any official capacity. Burgos says “we’re seeing more violence and criminal activity against the LGBTQ+ community. The city is doing nothing. Mayor Suarez does not seem to care.”
Queer News Tonight asked about Miami-Dade County and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, famously supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. Burgos pointed out that Wynwood is in Suarez jurisdiction, not Miami-Dade County. But that did not stop Levine Cava. Burgos said “Daniella has issued a statement and called out the attack and violence. She told the world what Miami-Dade county thinks about LGBTQ+ hate crimes. Mayor Suarez has not.” It should be noted the irony that the Miami-Dade County Mayor has a lesbian daughter. And if in Wynwood Miami could have been the target of this random attack by these men.
The damage to Wynwood has been done as Burgos said “Wynwood does not feel safe. I won’t be doing another event here.”
Growing hate and violence against LGBTQ+ has been a major story in 2023. It made Queer News Tonight consider obvious comparisons of whether an event like this could happen in Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale. We asked the Pandora Events director, who produces events in Broward County what she thought. Burgos said “There is a dramatic difference in Wynwood vs Wilton Manors. This could not happen in Wilton. Their City officials, their police force for both Wilton and Fort Lauderdale completely support and embrace the LGBTQ+ community.No one in Wynwood has come to our defense. Unfortunately Wynwood is not as LGBTQ+ friendly as I thought.” Burgos is not talking about the attack but rather the response. She made a broader comparison to Miami-Dade County and Broward County. “Broward feels much safer. Look at leadership from the Mayor's office. Fort Lauderdale has Mayor Dean Trantalis and a Police Chief who are both gay. The city of Miami has Francis Suarez. He hasn’t made a single comment or statement on the attack on the LGBTQ+ community in his city.”
Queer News Tonight will continue to follow this story. #Queer Up South Florida & Florida