$20,000 raised for Texas gay couple beaten for holding hands
Texas gay couple Spencer Deehring and Tristan Perry were both hospitalised after the brutal anti-gay attack. (Tristan Perry)
The internet has raised more than $20,000 to help a Texas gay couple cover their medical expenses after a suspected homophobic attack.
Spencer Deehring and Tristan Perry were both left with horrifying injuries after they were attacked by a group of men on a night out in Austin on January 18.
The Texas gay couple were branded “faggots” before being kicked and punched to the ground.
Perry, who was repeatedly kicked in the head, suffered a broken nose, chipped teeth, stitches in his forehead and a major concussion with minor internal bleeding. Deehring was also hospitalised with facial injuries.
Texas gay couple Spencer Deehring and Tristan Perry appealed for help with medical bills
In the wake of the attack, the pair launched an appeal via GoFundMe to help cover their medical expenses, and generous strangers have helped raise thousands of dollars for the couple.
Deehring and Perry had asked for just $4,000, explaining: “Both of us were transported in an ambulance and given emergency trauma care at a local hospital. [We] expect our bills to exceed the thousands of dollars due to receiving comprehensive radiological care.”
However, after news of the attack spread, donors have given more than $20,000 to help the couple pay their hospital bills.
Tristan Perry was left with horrific injuries after being beaten and kicked in the head. (Tristan Perry)
Deehring said: “Thank you all so much for your overwhelming love and support for our situation. You cannot fathom how much we appreciate your help.”
He added: “Always spread love and positivity. End hate.”
Perry added: “Spencer and I both appreciate everyone’s overwhelming support, we’re so thankful that we can share our story and help others.”
Thousands raised as reward to find thugs who beat Texas gay couple
In addition to the medical expenses, more than $11,000 has been raised by two local gay venues to offer as a reward for catching the perpetrators
Rain on 4th, the nightclub where the pair had been prior to the attack, donated a portion of the funds for a reward alongside LGBT+ venue Oilcan Harry’s.
$5,000 initially contributed by the gay venues was more than doubled as a string of local businesses also offered money.
A Facebook post by Rain nightclub said: “Thank you Austin for your help!!
“Catching people like this and holding them accountable is the only way to ultimately stop the hate and violence. Contact Crime Stoppers if you have any information.”
The venue added: “For too long gay-bashings have threatened our community. Historically and still to this day establishments like ours have provided sanctuary and security from these incidents.
“At Rain on 4th and Oilcan Harry’s we strive daily to provide a safe and tolerant environment for our community, and our actions do not stop at our doors. We will not stand by when our customers and community members are brutally assaulted simply for expressing their love.”
Austin Police Department is still investigating the attack, which is being treated as a hate crime. There have been no arrests.
Anyone with information concerning the crime please call APD at 512-974-9207 or contact Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS. You may remain anonymous.
