The Gayborhood is rallying behind the victim of a recent attack who, due to his injuries, is unable to return to work while he recovers.
Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar, 200 S. 12th St., will host a benefit for Sam Sierra at 9 p.m. Jan. 24, with entertainment from some of Philly’s favorite talent, including Lascivious Jane and members of Liberty City Drag Kings & Burlseque, Aeryanah Von Moi, Ladie Geisha, Tasker Morris and members of the Dumpsta Players.
The $8 cover includes a free drink, with 100 percent of the door fees going directly to Sierra’s recovery and medical expenses. The event will also feature a 50/50 raffle, drink specials and an array of door prizes, courtesy of community donors.
Sierra, a doorman at Tabu, was attacked at approximately 2:40 a.m. Dec. 27. He and Tabu manager Joe Beese were headed towards Jefferson Station to catch a train back to their Fishtown homes. After stopping to urinate in front of the Mitchel & Ness sporting goods store on 12th Street, Sierra was approached by three males and two females, and a verbal altercation ensued. The group began to walk away, but two male suspects turned back and physically assaulted Sierra, knocking him unconscious for several minutes, despite Beese’s attempts to fend off the attackers.
Sierra was released from Temple University Hospital after a week of being treated for brain injuries and seizures. He is not able to work while he recovers from his injuries.
Sierra, who is gay, does not remember if any of the assailants made homophobic or anti-LGBT remarks.
Police are still searching for the attackers, and no arrests have been made.
One suspect is described as a white male of Middle-Eastern or Indian descent, in his 20s, between 6 feet and 6-foot-2, approximately 280 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes and a beard and mustache, wearing a black jacket with a gold zipper and dark black jeans.
The second is described as a white male in his 20s, between 5-foot-6 and 5-foot-8, approximately 140 pounds, with light brown hair in a long ponytail, wearing a black leather jacket with multiple zippers and blue jeans.
Anyone with information about the suspects is asked to call Detective Andracchio at Central Detective Division, 215-686-3093.
For more information about the event, visit http://on.fb.me/1IyOH5r.