Two rainbow flags were burned outside a Harlem gay bar Alibi Lounge on the eve of Pride Month (May 31), in the early morning hours. Dubbed the “only Black gay lounge in Harlem,” the owners wrote on Instagram: “Few minutes ago, someone set our rainbow flags on fire! To the homophobic coward, we will make our mission to find you!”
rnt
rnttrn
rn
rn
rntt
tt
tt
tt
rnrntt
tt
tt
rnrn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rntt
tt
tt
A post shared by Alibi Lounge (@alibiharlem) on May 30, 2019 at 9:50pm PDT
rnt
rn
rnt
rnttrn
rn
rn
rntt
tt
tt
tt
rnrntt
tt
tt
rnrn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rn
rntt
tt
tt
A post shared by Alibi Lounge (@alibiharlem) on May 30, 2019 at 10:13pm PDT
rnt
rn
New York’s governor, Andrew Cuomo, was also upset. In a statement tweeted on June 1, Cuomo said he was “disgusted” by this “despicable and cowardly act” and is directing the state’s Hate Crimes Task Force to provide the NYPD with resources to investigate the incident.
“Rather than divide New York, this despicable act will only strengthen our commitment to tolerance, equality and justice for every individual,” reads Cuomo’s statement.
rnt
I am disgusted by the burning of a Pride flag outside an LGBTQ bar in Harlem early yesterday morning.
rntt
rnttThere is no place for hate in New York. I am directing the @NYSPolice Hate Crimes Task Force to provide NYPD with any resources needed to investigate this repugnant incident. pic.twitter.com/6MgkxmnHCkrnt— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) June 1, 2019
rn