NCAVP mourns the death of Britney Cosby and Crystal Jackson in Galveston County, Texas; Calls for National Awareness About Domestic and Hate Violence Against LGBTQ People
The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs ( NCAVP ) is deeply concerned about the homicides of Britney Cosby and Crystal Jackson in Galveston County, Texas. Their bodies were discovered on March 7th, behind a convenience store, and it is believed that the two women were murdered elsewhere. According to local media accounts, the father of Britney Cosby, James Cosby, has been arrested for evidence tampering in relationship to the case, charges that might be upgraded to capital murder.
Cosby's mother has stated publically that James Cosby was angry about the fact that his daughter was in a lesbian relationship. Britney Cosby lived with her father and grandmother. In a conversation with the Montrose Center, Galveston County Sheriff's Department Captain Barry Cook indicated that evidence suggests the homicides likely started as a disagreement between father and daughter that escalated in the heat of the moment.
The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs ( NCAVP ) most recent report, Hate Violence Against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer ( LGBTQ ) and HIV-Affected Communities in the United States in 2012, documented 25 anti-LGBTQ homicides. A startling 73.1% of all anti-LGBTQ homicide victims in 2012 were people of color.
"We are deeply saddened by the homicides of Britney Cosby and Crystal Jackson, and know that violence against LGBTQ people is all too common," said Chai Jindasurat, Co-Director of Community Organizing and Public Advocacy at the New York City Anti-Violence Project. "These tragic deaths are a part of a pattern of violence that needs to be addressed."
NCAVP is working with local NCAVP member organization The Montrose Center in Houston as well as Allgo and the National Black Justice Coalition, to raise awareness of these homicides and to support the local communities affected by this violence.
"The murders of Britney Cosby and Crystal Jackson are beyond tragic, but it perpetuates an alarming trend of violence targeted at Black LGBT people in our society. What's even more unsettling about this case is that a family member is now suspected of playing a role in the murders," said Sharon Lettman-Hicks, NBJC Executive Director and CEO. "All of the progress that we have made in the movement for equality means nothing to some when our families still don't accept us. We must tirelessly work to foster safe, loving spaces for LGBT people, starting first with our homes."
"We cannot overlook the fact that this happened to two women who loved each other and who were described as 'soulmates," says Ann J. Robison, PhD, Executive Director of the Montrose Center. "Our counselors, case managers and victim advocates see the vulnerability on regular basis, whether it's bullying, bias-related, sexual or family violence.
"allgo offers our sincerest condolences to all of the family members, friends and community members affected by the tragic death of Britney Cosby and Crystal Jackson" says Priscilla Hale, Co-Director of allgo, in Austin, Texas. "We feel compassion for all of those who were unfortunately involved in this situation as the news that James Cosby, the father of Britney, has been arrested in connection with the murders."
NCAVP is a resource for anyone who experiences violence. For more information, or to locate an antiviolence program in your area, please contact us at info@ncavp.org or visit us online. Join NCAVP in our efforts to prevent and respond to LGBTQ and HIV-affected violence. To learn more about our national advocacy and receive technical assistance or support, contact us at info@ncavp.org .
NCAVP works to prevent, respond to, and end all forms of violence against and within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer ( LGBTQ ) and HIV-affected communities. NCAVP is a national coalition of local member programs and affiliate organizations who create systemic and social change. NCAVP is a program of the New York City Anti-Violence Project.