On Tuesday September 23, 2025 at approximately 3pm a trans woman was hate crimed at Gunnison Beach, located in Sandy Hook, NJ. Gunnison beach is a well known clothing optional beach in Sandy Hook and a popular hang out spot for the queer community.
The woman, who was hanging out with a friend and their dog was approached by a cis het white man in his 50’s who started berating the friend over the dog. When the trans woman stood up for her friend the man lashed out and verbally attacked her for being transgender, calling her a “freak” and telling her she should be on “meds”. As she took her phone out to record the escalating situation he struck her in the face, threw sand in her eyes, and tried to whip her with a towel.
A full video of the attack is located below. The trans woman’s face has been obscured for anonymity.
After the incident, the transphobe furthered the violence against the trans woman he victimized by reporting her to a nearby park ranger in an attempt to get her ticketed/arrested. The ranger spoke with the woman but declined to arrest or ticket her. The man was not arrested nor ticketed for his attack and was allowed to leave.
This act of tansphobic violence, while a horrific reality for many trans people in New Jersey, cannot go unchallenged and will not be tolerated.
Do you know this man? He is white, approximately 5’9″, has a graying beard, is balding, and is a cis het. He has a job, family, friends, and people who know him.
Any tips regarding his identity can be sent to njhatewatch@protonmail.com.