In an early morning attack on February 4th, a gay man was savagely beaten outside a popular leather bar in San Francisco, leaving him with severe internal and external injuries and suffering a heart attack. The brutal attack on Barry Miles as he left the Folsom Street venue, Powerhouse, has shocked the LGBTQ+ community and highlighted the need for better safety measures in the area.
Barry Miles was walking home from the bar when he was ambushed by two men who stole his wallet and left him badly beaten. Miles, who is self-employed, shared photos on Instagram showing the extent of his injuries, including bruises, cuts, and a swollen face that made it hard for him to be recognized. He wrote on Instagram that his face hit the sidewalk and that he had a knocked-out front tooth, a small neck fracture, and was “pretty banged up”. Miles also had a heart attack due to high cholesterol, for which he had to have two coronary stents placed.
The San Francisco Police Department conducted a well-being check just minutes after midnight on February 5th, but the victim was unable to provide details about the attack and officers were unable to determine that a crime had occurred. However, the LGBTQ+ community in the San Francisco Bay Area has rallied around Miles, setting up a GoFundMe page to raise money for his recovery and support. Gary Virginia, a leader in the community, wrote in the fundraiser’s description that Miles is a community leader, titleholder, volunteer, and fundraiser for many organizations that have benefited numerous charities near and far.
At the hospital, Miles is receiving treatment for injuries that are not life-threatening but will require extensive medical care. The GoFundMe page states that the funds raised will be used to pay for Miles’ living expenses and to cover the cost of an expensive front tooth implant. The return to work for Miles, who runs a housekeeping business, has not been determined. As of publication, the fundraiser had earned more than its original $10,000 goal, demonstrating the outpouring of support for Miles from the LGBTQ+ community.
The brutal attack on Barry Miles outside a popular leather bar in San Francisco highlights the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ safety and equality. While the LGBTQ+ community has made significant progress in recent years, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the challenges and discrimination that still exist. The community’s support for Miles demonstrates the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, but also underscores the need for continued advocacy and action to ensure safety and equality for all.
