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The Real or Perceived Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Student Protection Project

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Des Moines Register, August 12, 2001
Box 957, Des Moines, Ia., 50304
(Fax:515-286-2511 ) (E-Mail:letters@news.dmreg.com )
( http://desmoinesregister.com )
http://desmoinesregister.com/news/stories/c4788993/15573545.html

Violence surges at gay hangout
Police say fighting, underage drinking and littering are rampant on West River Drive.

By MAGGIE O'BRIEN, Register Staff Writer

Young gays in Des Moines say they are victims of harassment from other groups who have taken over their nighttime summer hangout.

Des Moines police, however, say violence on West River Drive -- known around town as the "gay loop" -- usually stems from friction within the individual groups there rather than gay bashing.

William Lawrence, who is gay, said gays are the street's most common assault victims.

"There have been several occasions when people have come down and hit someone with a beer bottle," said Lawrence, 20, of Des Moines. "Three of my friends have gone to the hospital."

Police agree the street is a growing problem. It is a hot spot for fighting, underage drinking and littering. Officers said they respond to emergency calls on West River Drive -- a secluded street that stretches about four blocks near the main post office at Second and University avenues -- at least twice a night. An incident last month ended with a stabbing.

Police recently found a 2 1/2-foot machete lying near the street.

Local gay youths have gathered on West River Drive for the last five years. Other groups -- including area gangs -- showed up this summer.

"Our trips down there used to be things like loud music," said acting Sgt. Timothy Peak. "Now it's more violent."

"There are elements who want to fight there," added police Capt. Craig Zubrod.

Police said crowds of 300 people gather on West River Drive on summer weekend nights. Cars line up on both sides of the street, making it nearly impossible for other vehicles to pass through.

The culture clash among the different groups caused tension this summer, said Lawrence, who began hanging out on the street about five years ago. He said the area used to be a fun way to spend a summer night.

"It was a blast," he said. "The gay community would go down there, listen to music and hang out with our friends. I never had any trouble there. . . . It's a shame it had to change."

Hanging out on the street is legal, but officers want to be certain that all laws are followed. Police see the street and nearby lawns covered with garbage, such as beer bottles. The grass is either dead or dying from cars driving over it night after night, officers said.

"The littering and the drinking and the fighting . . . it's a travesty," Zubrod said.

Officers who patrol that area, including Peak, have increased their efforts. They monitor the street more and say they will arrest people who break the law.

"We used to just kind of stand by," Zubrod said. "We're going to clean it up."

Lawrence, who is known as "Billy" and "Dynasty" to his friends on West River Drive, said he has noticed an increased police presence in the area. "At times they just kick everybody out," he said.

Violence may force young gays to find somewhere else to socialize, Lawrence said. The search for a new hangout would be difficult.

"We're have nowhere else to go," he said. "We're underage and can't get into the gay clubs."

Lawrence said he welcomes anybody who wants to hang out on the street, as long as they don't cause problems or try to hurt anyone.

"I have absolutely no problem with anybody. If they want to come up and introduce themselves and party with us, that's fine. The more the merrier," he said.

Shawn Beirman, youth director for the Gay & Lesbian Resource Center in Des Moines, said some gay youths are afraid to hang out on West River Drive.

"It's a difficult situation" for Des Moines police, she said. "How do you allow people a space they're legally allowed to be in, yet how do you keep them safe? It's a difficult balance."

Police said they hope to curb fighting on West River Drive before more people are hurt.

Lawrence is taking precautions, just in case.

"We have to do something," he said. "I'm going to arm myself. Even if I have to knock somebody on the head so I have enough time to run or hide or crawl up a tree. I have to."
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