Community leaders and activists rallied against violence Thursday after a transgender woman was attacked in Queens last week.
They gathered to support the victim, 28-year-old Gaby Diaz. Police say she was attacked by a man with a hammer on the morning of August 17 after yelling, "This is what you get for being gay."
They say the man got out of his gray Toyota 4-Runner and approached Diaz from behind as she was walking on 67th Street near 41st Avenue.
Diaz says she has been living in fear ever since the attack.
"I’m nervous, and at the same time, I’m afraid the attacker might try to find me again," she said through an interpreter. "I’m feeling very anxious because of what happened, although I’m very grateful to all the people who have come here to show their support."
Local activists say in Queens alone, there have been 10 reported attacks against transgender people this year.
Anyone with information on the case should contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS, or text CRIMES and then enter TIP577, or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.