BOSTON — Boston Police’s Civil Rights Unit is investigating the vandalism of a future LGBTQ-friendly senior housing community in the city’s Hyde Park neighborhood.
Dozens of hateful and threatening messages tagged on signs of The Pryde were reported to police just before noon on Sunday.
More than a hundred people gathered at the construction site on Everett Street later in the day to speak out against the homophobic graffiti.
Neighbors, local leaders and members of the non-profit LGBTQ Senior Housing said the act of hate will not be tolerated in Boston.
“It’s pathetic, and if anything, you just pushed us to move even faster with even more support,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
The Pryde is slated to be New England’s first LGBTQ-affordable senior housing community when it’s completed in the fall of 2023.
A ceremonial groundbreaking was held at the former site of the Rogers Middle School just three weeks ago.
“It’s the first in New England of its kind, and they’re studying our model across the country,” said Chris Roberts, a volunteer with LGBTQ Senior Housing.
Mayor Wu said police are now reviewing surveillance footage from several locations in the area in search of answers.
Those who showed up to Sunday’s demonstration said it was important to show the perpetrator that they aren’t scared.
“The fact that people are turning out and fighting is fantastic,” said 72-year-old Dale Mitchell. “I think hatred is metastasizing around the country, and it’s being directed at all kinds of groups.”
Suffolk County DA released the following statement about the incident:
“It breaks my heart to see these ugly threats targeting a project—and a community—of such importance to our city. This is the second straight weekend of Boston being marred by hatred and intolerance. This cannot stand. My office will prosecute threats to the LGBTQ+ community wherever and whenever they occur.”
LGBTQ Senior Housing said security will be stepped up around the construction project.
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