Vicious Homophobic
Attack Shocks Cape Breton Gay Community
by Peter Steele
Sydney, Cape Breton Island. I grew up less than twenty miles
from here, but it’s here I call home. A community of a
little more than thirty-two thousand people from which much
of the island’s gay, lesbian and bi-sexual community centre
their social gatherings. We are a community to which I’ve
referred to countless times as one of the most accepting and
respectful communities in the country, and one I continue to
be proud of. Unfortunately, in the early morning hours of
Sunday, February 28th, a cowardly and vicious
attacked was made upon members of our community by three
young assailants, likely high school age.
Pride Cape Breton hosts two dances a month (2nd
and last Saturdays), and they’ve been a huge success with
patrons young and older, with a sprinkling of gay-friendly
individuals who appreciate the great hospitality and
friendly atmosphere our community enjoys and encourages. For
more than twenty years, the gay community of the island have
been able to gather publicly without threat of harassment or
violence until now.
At approximately 2am, two young gentlemen left our Southend
Community Centre dance when they heard such slurs including
“faggot” yelled from a car approaching from behind. When the
car stopped and the individuals exited the vehicle, one of
the two victims tried without success to negotiate a
peaceful encounter. The other was viciously assaulted and
knocked to the ground. Soon after, two ladies approached and
the assailants fled off in what may have been a blue car. We
are thankful for the ladies trying to help, however they
left without giving their names. It is unsure if the two
women attended the same dance, or if they just happened upon
the scene, but we wish that they come forward again to give
authorities an account of what they witnessed. If the ladies
wish to remain anonymous, we plea with them to phone Cape
Breton Crime Stoppers at 562-8477 (TIPS) with any
information they can provide.
Now, one week after the assault, both the gay and straight
communities are shocked by this heinous crime. The people of
Cape Breton Island are known for their compassion towards
one another, so this incident has rocked the very core of
the region’s people, and many people are outraged by this
act. Our very own Chief of Police, Miles Burke shared this
same sentiment in a personal call to me, and has expressed
the force’s determination to solve this “hate crime” as
quickly as possible, giving the case high priority status.
We do believe these culprits will be caught soon, and we as
a community will be sure their crime will not be treated
lightly. Homophobia attacks of any kind will not be
tolerated on Cape Breton Island.
I am happy to say that the victim of the brutality is doing
better, but continues to deal with the hurt and
embarrassment of the attack. A schoolteacher by profession,
he’s been a positive influence on his students; so to learn
of young individuals behind the assault, he’s even more
devastated. It is not believed the assailants attend the
school where he teaches, nor do we believe they knew either
of the two victims. The victim has taken time off work, and
has had counselling. He is overwhelmed by the attention the
incident has garnered, yet the many calls and emails of well
wishes and support have helped in his healing process.
We hope the community itself will too continue to heal. True
healing however will occur when justice is served to the
young men who committed the cowardly and vicious assault.
Please, anyone who witnessed the attack or anyone who may
have noticed a vehicle circling the area of the Southend
Community Centre, come forward with your information. No
matter how insignificant you may feel your information is,
it maybe the very piece of the puzzle the police are looking
for. Please help bring closure to this case. Please, let’s
bring peace back to our community!
