Oct 24, 2008  |  By: MARIO ACOSTA-VELEZ  | COMMENTS     

ON SEPT. 28, I attended a vigil at the Metropolitan Community Church where more than 200 people came together in response to the death of Tony Hunter, who was a victim of a violent attack close to Be Bar on Ninth Street N.W. The presence of many community residents affirmed the need to see a response that comes not only from the GLBT community, but also from our city leaders with a commitment to work with the community to address the increasing fear about crimes against members of the community.

Public safety in the GLBT community is today a key issue that requires a coordinated approach involving key government agencies and the community. As a result of recent incidents of violence against GLBT individuals, community organizations and advocates are starting to work together to raise awareness about violence against GLBT individuals and the need for improved public safety in our city, especially in the GLBT community. 

We are glad to see that Gays & Lesbians Opposing Violence (GLOV) has been reformed to engage community members in an effort to address the presence of violence in our community. 

The Gertrude Stein Democratic Club (Stein Club), the city’s largest GLBT political organization, joins our community’s efforts to bring more attention to public safety in the GLBT community. At its Oct. 20 regular meeting, the Stein Club discussed the recent incidents of violence against members of the GLBT community and affirmed its commitment to work with community groups and city leaders to find better solutions to prevent crime against GLBT individuals. 

Club members strongly believe there is an increasing concern in the community about the presence and possibility of violent crimes in our neighborhoods. One thing was clear as a result of the discussion: There is a need for an open dialogue with our city leaders about how to improve public safety in the GLBT community.   

AS A RESULT, the Stein Club unanimously passed a resolution to ask Mayor Fenty to convene a town hall meeting on public safety in the GLBT community involving the participation of the Metropolitan Police Department, D.C. Public Schools, Parks & Recreations, GLBT business owners, GLBT community residents, GLBT organizations, and faith-based organizations. The town hall meeting would give the mayor and our city leaders the valuable opportunity to engage in a proactive dialogue about how our government and the community can work together to prevent and respond to violence against GLBT individuals.

The involvement of the chief of police in this meeting is critical. Given the recent incidents of violence in the community, and the perception of increased crimes against GLBT individuals, it is important that we discuss how police can effectively prevent more incidents and help restore a sense of safety in our neighborhoods. 

D.C. Public Schools can also play an important role in educating and raising awareness about violent crimes. A year ago, Chancellor Michelle Rhee attended one of the Stein Club meetings and engaged in a very positive dialogue about her plans to reform the D.C. public schools system. It is important that we engage DCPS leadership in this collaborative effort so as to send a very strong message about their commitment to ensuring all students have the opportunity to learn and interact in an environment free of violence and harassment. 

WE ALSO NEED the active participation of diverse sectors of the GLBT community. We need GLBT business owners, organizations and individual community residents to come together and improve public safety in our community. A collaborative approach with our government can only work if we, as a community, embrace the opportunity and responsibility to find solutions to improve the sense and reality of safety in our neighborhoods.  

The GLBT community has been fortunate to have the long-term support of Mayor Fenty and our Council members. Public safety is now a critical concern for our community, and is one that requires the prompt attention and active involvement of our city leaders.

We are eager to engage in this dialogue and collaboration with Mayor Fenty and our city leaders to make our community safer today and in the future.