York, Pennsylvania, September 9, 2025
News Summary
A violent assault occurred in York, Pennsylvania, involving Vayne Disharoon, a drag performer who was choked unconscious during a confrontation classified as an alleged hate crime. The incident began at Gift Horse Brewing Co. after a group directed anti-queer slurs at Disharoon and their friends. Despite the violent nature of the attack, no hate crime charges were pressed, leading to community outcry and discussions about the lack of protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in Pennsylvania.
York, Pennsylvania witnessed a violent assault on August 22, 2023, involving 31-year-old drag performer Vayne Disharoon, who was choked unconscious during an altercation that is being classified as an alleged hate crime incident. The attack occurred while Disharoon and their friends were walking through downtown York, following a barrage of anti-queer slurs from a group of five people.
The initial confrontation began at Gift Horse Brewing Co., where Disharoon and their companions were subjected to verbal harassment from the group, which included two men and three women seated nearby. As the situation escalated, Disharoon and their friends attempted to leave. However, the harassment continued in an alley close to the York County courthouse, which led to a physical encounter.
Witnesses noted that Disharoon expressed a desire to avoid conflict; however, they were physically attacked when one of the men from the group attempted to grapple with them. In a bid to defend themselves, Disharoon swung their bag but was subsequently thrown over a bench during the struggle. The assailant then choked Disharoon to the point of unconsciousness, leaving the performer’s face discolored.
Staff members from Gift Horse Brewing Co., including bartenders Davy O’Leary and Gavin Flinchbaugh, intervened to separate Disharoon from their assailant. Once police arrived on the scene, they issued disorderly conduct citations to both parties, concluding that the situation represented mutual aggression. The individual responsible for the choking has not yet been publicly identified by law enforcement.
Following the incident, and amid growing social media outcry, York City Police Commissioner Michael Muldrow ordered a comprehensive review. Despite the violent nature of the assault, no hate crime charges were pressed, as the current laws in Pennsylvania do not recognize LGBTQ+ bias as a hate crime. The state only includes bias motivated by race, color, religion, and national origin within its hate crime statutes.
Many advocacy groups and community members have expressed their concern regarding the insufficient protections available for LGBTQ+ individuals in Pennsylvania. The Executive Director of the Human Relations Commission identified this incident as having wider implications for the LGBTQ+ community beyond the immediate individuals involved.
In response to the incident, a petition is circulating for a hate crime ordinance at the local level to push for enhanced protections against bias and violence targeting LGBTQ+ individuals. The violence has ignited broader discussions within the community regarding safety and the prevailing political climate against LGBTQ+, which some perceive as increasingly hostile.
Following the incident, allies of the LGBTQ+ community staged a demonstration outside Gift Horse Brewing Co., highlighting the community’s call for safety and justice. A fundraiser was also organized for August 28 to help support Disharoon in addressing any legal needs incurred after the assault. Several lawyers have reached out to offer their legal services to Disharoon, emphasizing community support during this challenging time.
Despite the threats and violence faced, the drag community in York, including Disharoon, remains resilient as they continue to advocate for their rights and safety in the face of adversity.
FAQs
What happened to Vayne Disharoon in York, Pennsylvania?
Vayne Disharoon was assaulted while walking with friends in downtown York after facing anti-queer slurs from a group. The altercation escalated, leading to Disharoon being choked unconscious.
Were any hate crime charges filed?
No hate crime charges were filed as Pennsylvania law currently does not recognize LGBTQ+ bias as a hate crime.
What actions have been taken by the police following the incident?
The police issued disorderly conduct citations to both Disharoon and the assailant but are conducting a thorough review of the incident due to social media attention.
What is being done to support the LGBTQ+ community after this incident?
The community is circulating a petition for a hate crime ordinance, conducting demonstrations, and organizing fundraisers to support the affected individuals.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | August 22, 2023 |
| Location | York, Pennsylvania, near Gift Horse Brewing Co. |
| Victim | Vayne Disharoon, 31, drag performer |
| Group Details | Assembled group of five (2 men, 3 women) |
| Assailant’s Action | Choked Disharoon, causing unconsciousness |
| Legal Outcome | Disorderly conduct citations issued; no hate crime charges |
| Community Response | Petitions, demonstrations, fundraising |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- York Daily Record: Drag Artist Allegation
- York Dispatch: Town Hall Dialogue
- Local21 News: Charges Filed in Drag Performer Attack
- Wikipedia: Hate Crime
- Google Search: York Pennsylvania Drag Incident
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