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& Brutal Attack Mourned
Human Rights Campaign
"On behalf of HRC, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the transgender individuals lost in these senseless acts of violence," said Elizabeth Birch, HRC's executive director. "No person should live in fear of being attacked just because of who they are. These hate crimes are vicious reminders of the work left to be done in ensuring the safety of every member of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community." An unnamed male-to-female transsexual was found beaten and shot early this morning in a field in Southeast Washington. The cause of death is unknown at press time. In Northwest Washington, police found another transgender woman shot and in serious condition on Wednesday evening. Police are also investigating the August 16 murder of Elvys "Bella Evangelista" Perez, a popular drag performer, as a hate/bias-motivated crime. Antoine D. Jacobs, 22, was arrested for the killing in Northwest Washington, which police believe occurred after Jacobs paid Perez to have sex and later shot Perez to death upon learning she was biologically male. According to a news release issued by the Metropolitan Police Department's Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit (GLLU), police "are working to keep the community informed regarding the recent violence." There is also increased police visibility in areas "known to be frequented by members of the transgender community." "The district's GLBT liaison unit is to be commended for its quick response to these brutal attacks and its willingness to keep members of the community informed of its progress," added Birch. "As a community, we are fortunate to have the resources of such a responsive unit. However, this also underscores the need for Congress to act quickly to pass comprehensive federal hate crimes legislation." Currently seven states - California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Vermont - and the District of Columbia have hate crimes laws that include both sexual orientation and gender identity. The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act (S. 966), a measure pending in the Senate, would add real or perceived sexual orientation and gender to the categories currently covered in federal hate crimes law. |
Stephanie Thomas and Ukea Davis were murdered in Washington, D.C. one year ago this month