Gay Man Attacked By MAGA Supporters During Night Out In Provincetown
Provincetown, Massachusetts, has long been known as one of North America’s safest LGBTQIA+ destinations. But that sense of security was broken for one man this week in an incident that serves as a harsh reminder that vigilance is always necessary.
A gay man, Chris Kostka, has described being attacked in the early hours of Monday morning.
A sudden and brutal attack.
Kostka was walking home from a friend’s house after a night out when three men allegedly got out of a black Lexus sedan and approached him. What happened next is unsettling.
“All of a sudden, I just feel myself getting pushed to the ground,” Kostka told NBC Boston.
“I fly forward and I turn I see three guys, and of course, I’m stunned from just being thrown to the pavement and I just cover my face, go into a fetal position as I’m getting kicked and getting called some gay slurs.”
He suffered kicks to his chest, scrapes, and bruises. Thankfully, his injuries were not more severe. “Nowadays things like this happen all the time, and it could end up a lot worse,” Kostka noted, a sentiment that is all too familiar.
Provincetown is meant to be a bubble of acceptance. For generations, people have travelled to the tip of Cape Cod to find community and safety. We’re used to celebrating Provincetown for its queer joy, especially during summer and Pride months. That makes this attack feel especially jarring.
Kostka admitted he let his guard down precisely because of the town’s reputation. “It’s such a happy place for everyone, so safe and you just don’t expect that,” he said. “So for it to come out of the blue, you don’t know what to think.”
The incident highlights a difficult truth, that no place is entirely immune to hatred.
Police are now asking for help.
The attackers fled after the assault. The Provincetown Police Department has stated it is taking the report very seriously and its detectives are actively investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.
They are asking for the public’s help. Anyone who may have information or security footage from the area is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Jennifer Nolette at +1 508-487-1212 or via email at jnolette@provincetown-ma.gov. You can also use the department’s tip line at +1 508-487-2828 or email report-a-tip@provincetown-ma.gov.
