Disturbing harassment hits home in Northeast D.C.
Living in Northeast D.C. should be a peaceful experience, but Addams Lee Schauer-Mayhew has been living a nightmare since last October. He and his husband, Bryan, found themselves targeted by a group that seems intent on making their lives miserable, hurling anti-gay slurs and harassment their direction. Things got out-of-hand on June 6, when a rock crashed through their window and hit Addams right in his face.
The attacker? Just 13 years old. The D.C. police caught up with him on June 15, charging him with Assault With Significant Bodily Injury. It was a hate-fueled attack that has everyone in their community questioning what's really going on with safety and acceptance in their neighborhood.
Harassment intensifies, raising alarm in community
The trouble kicked off around Halloween last year. That group has been consistently tormenting Schauer-Mayhew with homophobic slurs and vandalizing their property. "They'd shout insults and chuck rocks at our house and car," he says, painting a grim picture.
One particularly scary episode happened over Thanksgiving weekend. While Addams and Bryan were away, these kids broke in and messed with their backyard and carport. Thankfully, their surveillance cameras caught everything, giving them some hard evidence.
"We've been in Kingman Park over four years, and our neighbors have been nothing but supportive," Schauer-Mayhew says. But this persistent harassment has undeniably made things tough.
The violence hits home
On that dreadful day, Schauer-Mayhew was just chilling on his sofa, catching a tennis match. "I was minding my own business when suddenly, crash! The window shattered and something hit me in my face," he recounts. His husband Bryan, hearing commotion, dashed downstairs and dialed 911.
Bleeding, Addams made it over just far enough in shock before collapsing at their kitchen sink. Despite being hurt, he brushed off a hospital visit because they were all set and excited about attending WorldPride Music Festival together.
"I got a lovely black eye from it," he jokes, "but it heals up okay, though I'll probably have a scar." Thanks partly due medical attention at festival's emergency tent, Addams bounced back, ready and resilient.
Standing with strength and support
The neighbors' response after attack was incredible. "They watched out and helped out," Schauer-Mayhew says, referring how their community quickly informed police about juvenile delinquent. On June 15, as he was out shopping, he spotted him in a car, sent an alert via a neighborhood chat thread, leading police arresting him soon after.
"I don't harbor resentment," he states about boy and group. "I just hope they find their path that isn't about terrorizing strangers."
Due protection juvenile records, we don't know yet if hate crime charges will be pressed, but couple remains hopeful justice will prevail.
Staying strong in face overwhelming adversity
Despite ordeal, Schauer-Mayhew and Bryan refuse back down. Proudly, their Pride flag stands tall, being open symbols celebration who they are. "We won't let them shove us back in closet," Schauer-Mayhew insists.
This troubling story highlights battle LGBTQ+ folks face just wanting feel safe accepted. The Schauer-Mayhews are prime example standing strong, showing that love and perseverance can indeed outshine hate.
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