WASHINGTON D.C. – Friday, in response to a traumatic and life-threatening incident that occurred Wednesday, trans woman of color organizer, speaker, and activist, Lourdes Ashley Hunter, made a call-to-action for those who stand in support of the transgender community, people of color, and anyone facing state repression by way of the now militarized police around the country. This rallying cry is resounding with the growing social awareness of police violence against the Black community, and louder still, in a year that isn’t just the most deadly on record for the transgender community, but one that saw the election of a President that many believe to be fuel to the flames of hatred, bigotry, white supremacy, and violence.
Lourdes posted this Friday afternoon: “[Metropolitan Police Department] has NO RIGHT to drag me out my home because a white woman was offended by my Blackness! I will be mobilizing if folks are interested in joining the team! Lawyers, organizers, folks with financial resources, cis folks who are ready to lay their body down for a Black Trans Woman!”
Late Wednesday night, 16 police officers illegally entered the home of Trans Women of Color Collective activist and organizer, Lourdes. Claiming an alleged report from a neighbor of assault by the known nonviolent activist. Without being read her Miranda Rights, she was taken into custody by the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia’s 3rd Precinct.
Venus Di’Khadijah Selenite, who was present for the incident, reported that 16 police officers detained the single trans woman of color. The activist, Lourdes, wasn’t returned home until close to 4am, Thursday, the same day of a #TransCommunityBriefing at The White House including her and Venus. As of 10:30pm, Friday night, no formal charges are being pursued by the activist against the Metropolitan Police Department.
Image Credit: Trans Women of Color Collective
Brienna Parsons 