#hate violence

"Mila Jam has released a powerful new video for her latest single, Masquerade.

The New York singer-songwriter uses the video as an opportunity to confront the epidemic of transphobic violence and the murder of transgender women." (source)

I emerge to the lovely (note sarcasm) sight of some dude slitting a zombie’s throat.

Statewide LGBT Anti-Violence and Advocacy Organizations Urges LGBT People to Be Extra Cautious in Palmer Park Area

DETROIT – Detroit Police are investigating three possibly related violent crimes near Palmer Park, located along Woodward Avenue between 6 and 7 Mile in Detroit.  At least two of the victims are transgender women, and one victim, whose gender identity is not yet public, was killed in Palmer Park last Friday. In that case, it is believed the victim may have been killer's partner, and that after the murder took place, the perpetrator drove off, crashed into another car and ran away on foot, but a gun was left behind. The shooting on Sunday and another last week were not fatal, but the victims were transgender. No one is in custody but police say they have a person of interest.

Equality Michigan, the statewide anti-violence and advocacy organization serving Michigan's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and HIV communities, supports victims of anti-transgender crime and tracks violence against transgender people throughout Michigan. The group has been helping law enforcement officials investigate the cases.

Statement by Yvonne Siferd Director of Victim Services, Equality Michigan

“We are saddened to hear of the targeting of transgender people yet again in Michigan and that yet another life has ended too soon. We urge anyone with information about these shootings to contact the Detroit Police at 313-596-2260 or if you have information that you would like to report anonymously call Equality Michigan at 313-537-7000. We unequivocally offer our support to the victims and their families, and stand with our trans sisters who experience violence at disproportionate and alarming rates. We hope that those responsible are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.”

“Transgender women are far too often victims of the most severe violence. Our most recent report through the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, Hate Violence Against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and HIV-Affected Communities in the United States in 2013,consistent with previous trends noted, the vast majority of anti-transgender incidents reported were committed against transgender women. Transgender women are twice as likely to experience discrimination, 1.8 times more likely to experience harassment, and 1.5 times more likely to experience threats and intimidation compared to overall survivors. Equality Michigan and the NCAVP denounce violence and seek to raise awareness of the violence faced far too often by LGBT people in Michigan and especially people in the transgender communities. We encourage members of the LGBT community to be extra cautious around Palmer Park until the those responsible are caught.”

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Equality Michigan working with victim of attack during Motor City Pride

DETROIT – The beating of a gay man on the Detroit Riverwalk this past Sunday was caught on tape and is being investigated by law enforcement. The video shows 20-year-old Christin Howard fighting off attackers Sunday along Detroit’s Riverwalk, close to Hart Plaza where Motor City Pride - Detroit's LGBT pride festival - was being held.

Howard says five to eight men attacked him. At one point, all the young men joined in on the attack as Christin was on the ground. The attack began as Howard was getting a picture taken with a friend and the young men started circling, commenting on his long hair, calling him homophobic slurs and threatening violence.

Equality Michigan, the statewide anti-violence and advocacy organization serving Michigan's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and HIV communities, has supported victims of anti-LGBT and anti-HIV violence, discrimination, and harassment for over twenty years. The organization also produces the annual Motor City Pride festival and parade to celebrate Michigan's LGBT communities. Equality Michigan is working with Howard and law enforcement on their response to the attack.

Statement by Yvonne Siferd, Esq. Director of Victim Services, Equality Michigan

“No one should have to endure an attack like Christin Howard did this past weekend. Equality Michigan is saddened and disturbed to learn of this alleged anti-gay hate crime right outside the gates of the Motor City Pride celebration. Pride celebrations offer people in our communities an opportunity to feel safe in expressing our authentic selves. Unfortunately, this is a tragic reminder that we still have a lot of work to do to ensure that LGBT people can walk down the street without fear of violence."

"Violence directed at LGBT people because they are LGBT is disproportionately high in this country, and LGBT people of color are at an even higher risk of more brutal and vicious attacks. It never ceases to amaze me that others are so concerned with how we live our lives that they feel emboldened to violently attack us for simply being ourselves. Our elected officials can send a powerful message that this type of hate is not tolerated in Michigan by speaking out against attacks like these and amending Michigan's hate crimes law to include LGBT victims."

Statement by David Wait Chair, Motor City Pride

"I was sorrowful and troubled when I heard of Mr. Howard’s attack. Motor City Pride’s number one goal is to provide a safe space for our communities. Our team works closely with Tricon Security to address issues that arise at the festival. When we noticed record attendance on Saturday, we took steps to increase security. We are already taking steps to work with the Detroit Police Department to review and revise our safety and security plans for next year. We also appreciate the swift efforts of the Detroit Police Department to investigate the attack."

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The Howard family has requested that all media inquiries be directed to Equality Michigan.

Motor City Pride is a volunteer-driven event celebrating the lives of Michigan's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender citizens. Motor City Pride is a project of Equality Michigan. For more information, visit www.motorcitypride.org.