Last week, our efforts to support the CT LQBTQ+ community were recognized by journalist Pamela McLoughlin at The Hartford Courant. Pam interviewed me to discuss the current divisive political environment, the many concerns I have heard from members of the LGBTQ+ community, and what I am personally doing to help. Below is an article excerpt, but I encourage you to read the full article here.
The Hartford Courant: A CT self-defense instructor wants to empower ‘a group under duress’. He has a goal.
By Pam McLoughlin
21 May 2025
A Connecticut self-defense expert reports that the majority of people do not know how to defend themselves.
And violence against the LGBTQ+ community is on the rise and is likely to get worse with the current political climate, said Sarah Moore, who tracks and analyzes statistics nationwide for Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation or GLAAD.
She said the ACLU is tracking 527 anti-LGBTQ legislative bills.
Moore said in 2024 there were 918 anti-LGBTQ incidents reported across the country or 2.5 per day, including seven deaths. There were 15 incidents in Connecticut.
“I think the LGBTQ community is feeling very scared right now,” she said.
Gus Bottazzi, owner of Corporate Krav Maga in Norwalk can’t make the hatred go away, but he’s trying to help by offering self-defense training to the LGBTQ+ community at a discount.
Bottazzi isn’t a member of that community, but his daughter is and he’s concerned.
“I want her to know how to handle it,” Bottazzi said. “If you look at violence on a general curve it flies when the country is polarized…We’re looking to empower a group under duress.”…continue reading
Krav Maga Personal Safety continues to welcome all to our self-defense “family”…because everyone deserves to Feel Safe, Live Free.
