By Esteban Rico
A youth center for LGBTQ+ in Spokane Washington has been vandalized four times in a little over a month. This is the third attack in the last week.
In just a few short days, a series of vandalism-fueled hate crimes have targeted the Odyssey Youth Movement Center (OYM), which provides a safe place and outreach services to LGBTQ+ youths in the surrounding area.
In late September, the hate-fueled attacks started when graffiti was painted on the rainbow colored path that leads to the OYM Center.
Last week, vandals increased their attacks when they targeted the OYM Center three times in one night.
The rainbow crosswalk and the OYM signs outside were painted again on Thursday, October 5.
Next night, using gold spray paint on doors and windows, vandals wrote homophobic and hateful slurs and statements.
They spray-painted words of hatred. “Words that divide and make people feel uncomfortable or scared,” OYM’s CEO Ian Sullivan said to local media outlet KHQ.
A Pride flag, which had previously been hung on an adjacent building, was ripped down and left on the ground right in front of this center.
On Saturday, October 7th, tire tracks once again covered the Rainbow crosswalk. However, the vandalism was stopped when a resident intervened.
Michelle Weaver of South Perry Business and Neighborhood Association commented on the hate crimes: “We’re all sorry to hear someone is continuing to vandalize both the Rainbow Crosswalk and Odyssey Youth Facility. The Perry District is a place where hate goes against the values we hold dear.
The Perry District is a wonderful place because of its diversity. Unfortunately, some people are afraid to accept their differences and this leads to hatred.
I hope the person who made it is open-minded to accept that everyone works hard, pays taxes, has a family, and dreams just like theirs, no matter what they love or how they identify. .”
Spokane Police Department is investigating this vandalism after the youth center reported the hate crimes.
Nick Briggs, Spokane Police spokesman said: “We are currently investigating the entire circumstances of that vandalism. That property damage.”
Spokane residents are encouraged to contact the police with any relevant information and report any hate crimes to bring these vandals accountable.
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