Boston police have issued a warning to the LGBT community after a rash of crimes that involved hook-up sites and cell phone apps. Multiple reports have been filed by gay men who say they were drugged and then robbed.
Gay rights groups responded to the reports on Monday and expressed their concern in the community. ”We are saddened by the recent robberies targeting men in the LGBTQ community in the Boston area, and thank the Boston Police for making an effort to alert our community to the potential threat. Our hearts go out to the victims of these incidents here in Boston,” said Carly Burton, deputy director of MassEquality. Burton said although gay rights are advancing all over the country, the events in Boston and recently in New York illustrate “just how much work remains before all people can truly be equal safe and free.”
JMG reader Rob Wilson tells Boston Magazine that such crimes are likely under-reported due to embarrassment or fears of damaging relationships with partners. Also quoted in the article is Grindr CEO Joel Simkhai, who urges the app’s 120,000 registered users in Boston to follow his company’s safety guidelines when meeting strangers.