Victim of Michigan Gay-Bashing Dies
For every gay bashing that hits the news (well, the gay news), a hundred kids commit suicide rather than deal with the fact they’re gay. What is wrong with our society that we allow things like this?
I’ve seen nothing in the major news about this. Instead, its all focused on Anna Nicole Smith. I am only one who is disgusted?
Update: Funeral arrangements added below
Update (3-1-07): Vigil added below
From a Triangle Foundation mailing:
Andrew Anthos Dies as Result of Hate Attack
Andrew Anthos, the 72-year-old gay Detroit man who was hospitalized after a brutal hate-motivated attack, passed away at approximately 7:30 p.m. on the evening of Feb. 23 as a result of his injuries.
Anthos was attacked on Feb. 13 by a man who followed him home after asking if he was gay while the two were riding a Detroit bus. The Detroit police are continuing their investigation into what is now a homicide.
“This horrific crime is further proof that, gay people are at constant risk of attack and murder,” said Triangle Foundation Executive Director Jeffrey Montgomery, who was at Detroit Receiving Hospital with Anthos’ family. “Our hearts go out to Andrew’s family - they have lost a man they all loved very much because someone else was acting out of hatred and bigotry.”
Anthos, known as “Buddy” by his friends and family, was a patriotic American who loved his country despite the homophobia and bigotry that remains pervasive today. Anthos devoted over twenty years in a campaign to have the dome of the state Capitol building lit red, white and blue one night every year.
Anthos is survived by a loving family including his aunt, Maggie Hloros, and his cousin Athena Fedenis.
“Buddy made friends with everyone he met,” said Fedenis. “He was an enthusiastic Detroiter. His family has lost a loved one, and the city has lost a champion.”
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has offered to pay Anthos’ funeral expenses at the request of Triangle, Michigan’s leading victims’ services organization serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Memorial details will be forthcoming.
Funeral arrangements (from a Triangle Foundation mailing):
Funeral Arrangements Set for Andrew Anthos
Andrew “Buddy” Anthos, 72, died Friday evening from injuries suffered in a brutal anti-gay attack. The following arrangements have been made for his funeral:
* Public viewing and visitation from 2 - 9PM on Tuesday, February 27.
* Funeral service will be held at 1PM on Wednesday, February 28.The viewing and service will be at the Ford Funeral Home, 26560 Van Dyke, Center Line, Michigan 48015; (586) 754-2464
For information regarding the investigation please contact Melissa Pope, Triangle Foundation’s Director of Victim Services at melissa@tri.org or (313) 537-3323 x112.
Vigil (from a Triangle Foundation mailing):
Candlelight Vigil for Andrew Anthos
Friday, March 2nd
6:30 p.m.
Windsor Tower, 1600 Antietam, Detroit, MI 48207Organized by members of the community.