Community Comments On Recent Events In light of the recent events that have deeply affected our community, the murder of Michael Fardon and subsequent attack at the Boston Clipper, we invited comment from our members and the police. Personal Perspective Writing just after the Boston Clipper Charity event held on September 17th 2006 in memory of Michael, NLGBA member Ian Cameron gives his personal response: The 2 events of last week brought home to me how vulnerable our community really is. The shocking attack in the Boston Clipper must surely make everyone sit up and take notice in as much as we cannot relax at the moment with regards to our personal safety. I know of 4 attacks recently, not all homophobic, but this must be the tip of the iceberg as I’m sure I don’t know of all that happens in Northampton. The recent murder and subsequent attack in the Clipper has made me change my lifestyle to a certain extent but it annoys me that I have to. Whereas I use to walk home from the clipper on a Friday and feel safe I have now had to promise my family that if I’m going to be alone then I will get a taxi for their peace of mind. The charity event was wonderful, a brilliant success, top class entertainment (albeit a bit late for a “school night!”). However I got this impression that we were possibly gathering, tribal like, to support each other as we feel that even today we are not accepted in society in general. No matter how much legislation is put in place, no matter what police presence is around (and it must be said that there was plenty of that at the Clipper on Sunday, hopefully not just for the mayor) we cannot change the attitude of society in total. There will still be those that think that Hitler had the right idea and that we should all be in camps well away from “normal” people until we rot. These are the ones that we must be fearful off. I think that I am less at risk because of my age but when I see the really young guys wandering about the streets alone at 3am, quite drunk I worry. Whether or not it’s because it is easier to be gay today than it was years ago and the young guys fail to see the dark side of society I don’t know. All I know is that we need to look out for each other. Just be aware that not everyone is as they seem. It’s not really a “be my brothers keeper” attitude even though at the moment I see nothing wrong with that, but more of a family thing - looking after the younger ones especially but keeping an eye on the other members of the family to make them feel special and safe. One day the tragedies of recent times will fade slightly in our memories, although they will not be forgotten, but we can never let out guard down completely. We are different, we have to accept that but we deserve to be safe. No matter where we are or what time it is, we deserve to be safe. Our safety is our responsibility though. Just try and think to the end of the night and the journey home before the night starts. Be happy, be safe. Ian Cameron Police Statement While Northamptonshire Police are currently unable to comment specifically on recent events they have issued the following statement: Northamptonshire Police is committed to working with the community to tackle homophobic crime. We are dedicated to working with our partner agencies to investigate all homophobic incidents and support victims and communities who can be affected physically and emotionally. We would urge anyone who is the victim of a homophobic incident or
who knows someone who is to contact Northamptonshire Police so that it
can be investigated and the appropriate action taken. This can be done
either through our website, which has a link to reporting homophobic crimes,
or through our normal police number where your concerns will be reported
to trained Hate Crime officers. If a crime is in progress or the offender
is still in the area, please ring 999. Web: www.northants.police.uk (click on community safety/stamp out hate
crime) Phone: 08453 700700 10.06
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