As members of Spectrum, LSU’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer student organization, we are of course saddened by the Oct. 12 article about the recent unprovoked attack on two gay men at Reggie’s bar.
Unfortunately, this is an everpresent danger for members of the LGBTQ community, both in Baton Rouge and elsewhere. LGBTQ people are at a much higher risk of physical or sexual assault in many environments, particularly in situations where alcohol is involved.
We recognize that this is far from the first such incident that has occurred at Reggie’s or at other local bars. Spectrum, community organizations such as Capital City Alliance and other LGBTQ groups are continually working to make Baton Rouge a safer and more welcoming place for all. We would welcome the opportunity to work with the Reggie’s management on ways to make their establishment a safer place for all Tigers of legal drinking age to have a good time.
Until that happens, however, we must urge LGBTQ people,
both students and non-students, to stay away from Reggie’s or any other establishment that has proven to be a place of physical danger for so many people. No drink special or dance floor is worth that risk.
 
Matthew Patterson
Spectrum at LSU activism committee chair
Capital City Alliance member
 
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