Following a recent surge in anti-LGBTQI+ attacks in Sydney, NSW Police will increase the number of personnel deployed on Oxford Street as a preventative measure. Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwhich took to Instagram to announce that the police will increase patrols to keep the community safe.
Greenwhich said that he has spoken to NSW Police, who are aware of the anti-LGBTQ abuse that has occurred around Oxford Street recently. “I’m committed to keeping our community safe and ensuring we can go out and have a good time,” he said. The Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, also expressed her support for the initiative.
The announcement comes just one week after I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here’s David Subritzky was the victim of a gay-bashing in Sydney. The influencer shared images of his injuries and recounted the incident on Instagram, where he received an outpouring of support.
While many people have welcomed the increased police presence, others have expressed concern about the historical and ongoing violence that the queer community has faced at the hands of the police. “It’s just a shame that increased police is the answer,” wrote Sydney queen Diva Attenbra. “A reminder that historically, and in many cases today, police violence against the queer community (particularly queer poc) was/is just as rampant as in the general public.”
Despite these concerns, it is clear that something needs to be done to protect the LGBTQI+ community in Sydney from violence and discrimination. The increase in police personnel on Oxford Street is a step in the right direction, but it is not a long-term solution. As a society, we need to work together to create a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.