Hate Crimes: Combating Gay and Transgender Panic Strategies

Dear B.A.R.:

We’re writing in recognition of the hard work of the San Francisco District Attorney’s office in planning the upcoming symposium Hate Crimes: Combating Gay and Transgender Panic Strategies. Building on the work started by the Atlanta DA’s office in 2005, this symposium expands on that effort by adding cutting edge training on transgender panic strategies.

We believe that the symposium, an excellent learning opportunity for criminal justice professionals, is another sign of advancement for transgender civil rights. While the too often justifiable tension that many transgender people feel in regard to law enforcement is not solved by this symposium, the work of SF’s DA Kamala Harris and her staff is a large step in the right direction.

For that reason, we strongly encourage all community members and allies to attend the free town hall meeting that the organizers of the symposium have planned for the evening of July 20th from 6:30 – 8pm at the LGBT Center. It will be a great opportunity to talk about violence against LGBT communities and share thoughts about what law enforcement professionals need to know about us in order to better protect our communities.

Sincerely,

Aidan Dunn
Allison Laureano
Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club
Amber Gray
Bionka Stevens
Cecilia Chung
Community United Against Violence
Connie Champagne
Gayle Roberts
Jamison Green
JoAnne Keatley
Jordy Jones
Kelly Dugan, Vice President, Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club
Martin Rawlings-Fein
Melnenie Eleneke
National Center for Lesbian Rights
Nikki Calma aka Tita Aida
Robert Haaland
SF TEAM
Shannon Minter
Shawna Virago
Tamara Ching
Taylor Morrison
Theresa Sparks
Transgender San Francisco