We are sharing the following press release, sent to us by our friends at Virginia Anti-Violence Project and Minority Health Consortium.
On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, our hearts are saddened by this loss and all losses due to transphobic violence, and our determination to work even harder towards support, education, and advocacy on behalf of our loved ones and friends is renewed.
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Virginia Anti-Violence Project and Minority Health Consortium condemn the brutal murder of Richmond, VA transgender woman
Agencies urge community solidarity
November 19, 2013, Richmond VA
For Immediate Release:
The Virginia Anti-Violence Project and Minority Health Consortium condemn the murder of Amari Hill, a transgender woman in Richmond, Virginia that occurred on November 9.
Juan Pierce, Executive Director of the Minority Health Consortium stated, “Our community has lost another ‘gem of brilliance’ to senseless violence and backward behavior. We encourage the community to support efforts to end this violence.” Ted Heck, President of the Board of Virginia Anti-Violence Project, stated, “This is a terrible tragedy to lose a loved member of the community in such a violent manner. We stand in solidarity with the family and the community in the face of this crime.”
In response to this attack, Minority Health Consortium (MHC) and the Virginia Anti-Violence Project (VAVP) offer support to transgender and other community members and organizations to assist in processing this violence and responding in a constructive manner. Support to victims and survivors of anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) violence, including those experiencing fear and distress resulting from this and other hate-motivated violence is the mission of VAVP, along with work to prevent all violence against and within LGBTQ individuals, families, and communities. From Monica Behney, Board member for VAVP, “As members of the LGBTQ community and people of compassion, we must reach out to each other in our grief and outrage at this loss. Moving forward together to educate and advocate to prevent violence may be the best way to remember and honor this beautiful life.”
The Minority Health Consortium works with the LGBTQ community and all citizens to address the stigma and social determinants of health that impact the communities we serve through providing education, outreach and drop-in center activities that include a safe space to explore and discuss issues that impact minorities and youth. The MHC website can be found at http://www.mhcprevents.org
The Virginia Anti-Violence Project works to address and end violence, with a specific focus on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities across Virginia. VAVP is an organization active since 2006, and currently offers services for survivors of intimate partner abuse, sexual assault, and stalking, including a free and confidential helpline for LGBTQ people in Virginia. The Helpline number is 866-356-6998. VAVP also has resources to support training and consultation with agencies, community groups, congregations, and other interested organizations. The VAVP website can be found at http://www.virginiaavp.org/
For inquiry, please contact:
Ted Heck, VAVP Board President
(804) 726-1056
vavpboardpres@gmail.com
Juan Pierce, MHC Executive Director
(804) 641-1555
juan@mhcprevents.org
PFLAG Blue Ridge 