Anti queer-bashing march on May 12

In response to a series of alleged attacks on LGBT individuals in the Montford area, a protest march will take place on Wednesday, May 12, at 6 p.m.

"This peaceful, permitted demonstration is in response to recent alleged hate crimes against LGBTQ residents.," an announcement from organizer Samantha Soper reads. "Violence of any sort is unacceptable, regardless of who you are."

The attackers have, in two cases, been described as three college-age men with short hair, driving a red Volvo and wielding a metal pipe. So far, the victims have filed no police reports. According to Asheville Safe Streets Project founder Amber Van Pelt (who's helping to organize the march), one of the attacks took place Saturday afternoon, May 1, on the Clingman/Haywood bridge, and another the next night on Cumberland Avenue in Montford.

The march will begin at Todd's Tasties (102 Montford Ave.) and proceed to the Vance Monument.

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