Bellmore NY – July 23rd, 2013 – In light of the reported anti-gay attack on two individuals in Babylon on July 22^nd, Pride for Youth (PFY) announces that its commitment to stemming the tide of violence through its education, support and counseling services is unwavering.

“An atmosphere of ignorance, intolerance and prejudice gives rise to these heinous crimes and it is up to all of us to stop the stereotyping and labeling of minority populations wherever and whenever we see it,” states Pete Carney, Director of Pride for Youth, a program of Long Island Crisis Center, based in Bellmore.  “At Pride for Youth, our staff not only provides support and counseling to empower and build self-esteem in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth, but equally as important is its educational outreach into the community-at-large to combat the bias and bigotry that creates an unsafe environment where incidents like this one can happen.”

PFY is proud to be celebrating its 20^th Anniversary this year, a year that has also seen many legislative and court decisions expanding the civil rights of LGBT individuals.  “However, political victories are not enough.  It is a change in the mindset of the individual that will bring true change,” continues Mr. Carney.  “I would be encouraged about the state of things if I saw a great outpouring of outrage and demands for justice from the entire community, instead of just by spokespeople for LGBT organizations.”

To become involved or to access Pride for Youth services, contact Pete Carney, LMSW, Director of Pride for Youth at pcarney@longislandcrisiscenter.org or 516-679-9000.