Local DJ and activist Austin Head was assaulted early Friday morning in what has now been designated an anti-gay hate crime.
The local community has expressed outrage over this incident, as well as sending its best regards to Austin Head. Check out what some local DJs have to say about the incident after the jump.
See also:Phoenix DJ Austin Head Injured in Hate Crime Assault See also: Phoenix DJ Austin Head's Assault Designated as Anti-Gay Hate Crime
DK Strickler:
"All I have to say is it's despicable and it's something we all should be speaking out against. No one should ever have violence brought upon them because of who they are. Period. It's a shame for society that hate crimes still persist. Also, it's ironic and sad as they run counter to everything the Phoenix dance scene stands for. I wish nothing but a speedy recovery to Austin."
DJ Roya:
"Austin and I have done some gigs together over the years and consider him a friend. I've always admired how open he was about his sexuality as well as his activist efforts in bringing awareness on youth inflicted with HIV. I don't really have the words to express how upsetting it is to hear that hate crimes like these still happen. I'm sure I speak for everyone in the DJ community when I say that we support him and are all wishing him a quick and speedy recovery."
DJ Funkfinger:
"I absolutely abhor the violent act and believe strongly that hate crimes should be punished more severely than others as they are an act against all members of the affected group. I'm disgusted and sad that this occurred at all and hope Austin recovers quickly, both physically and mentally. Makes me sick that we have to communicate about it."
Charlie Meyer:
"Austin is a well known and loved person in Phoenix. For something like this to happen to him or anyone having to deal with these kind of issues [it] just makes Phoenix look bad, and I wish to live in a place were these things would never happen. Austin we love you, get better buddy!"
DJ William Reed:
"It was hard to believe that something like that would happen in our community. Any time that you hear of a hate crime, anywhere, anytime, it's disheartening to say the least. It's disturbing and disgusting. Just knowing somebody that's such a great person, a good human being, and a member of our community that's contributed so much over such a long period of time fell victim to a random act of senseless violence...it was such a gross display of vulgar ignorance. It's hard to put into words.
I was reading the article and it recounted the story of how Austin and a friend were leaving a very popular nightspot walking down Central Avenue, which I walk, bike, and drive by that same spot seemingly everyday. Being a decade long member of the downtown/central corridor community and never have encountered anything like that myself or have known of anyone I know to encounter something like that, it's just disgusting. There should be zero tolerance for behavior like that and I hope the perpetrators are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law and justice is served. -- William Reed
Here's the latest Facebook update from Austin Head himself-
"Hello to all you!I want to again send a HUGE thank you to everyone for your love, support and kind messages. It's all been very uplifting and helpful in my recovery.
With the quick and effective work of the PHX PD, the two attackers are still in jail and facing charges.
I am currently recovering and improving steadily at home.
See you all soon!
Love, Austin"
