The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs ( NCAVP ) mourns the homicide of Juan Ceballos, which occurred on July 13th, in Mecca, California. According to local media sources, Ceballos, who identifiedas bisexual, was killed outside of his home by a co-worker, Miguel Angel Bautista Ramirez. According to a criminal complaint, Ramirez ambushed the victim outside of Ceballos's apartment, killing him because of his sexual orientation. Ramirez was arrested and charged with murder and hate crimes charges.
"We are deeply saddened by the death of Juan Ceballos. His untimely death shows that hate violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer ( LGBTQ ) communities is a present and deadly reality" said Osman Ahmed, NCAVP Research and Education Coordinator at the New York City Anti-Violence Project. "Violence against bisexual communities and survivors is often ignored or diminished, and this violence and biphobia must be addressed. Our communities must take action againsthate violence and take measures to prevent it.
The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs ( NCAVP ) most recent report just released on May 29th, 2014, Hate Violence Against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and HIV-Affected Communities in the United States in 2013, documented 18 anti-LGBTQ homicides last year. Of those homicide victims, almost 90% were people of color, yet LGBTQ and HIV-affected people of color only represented 55% of total survivors and victims.
NCAVP has been working with local member organization the Los Angeles LGBT Center to support the local communities affected by this violence.
"Our hearts go out to Juan's family. The brutal murder of this young man, allegedly because of his sexual orientation, still happens all too often here in Southern California and around the country," said the Los Angeles LGBT Center's Anti-Violence Project Manager, Christopher Argyros. "Last year, we received over 400 reports of anti-LGBT violence and discrimination. Hate crimes against our community are directly related to a culture that still devalues the lives of LGBT people. The bigotry and discrimination that leads to these crimes must end."
NCAVP is a resource for anyone who experiences violence. For more information, or to locate an anti-violence 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 .
If you are a member of the media, please contact:
Roger Coggan, Los Angeles LGBT Center: rcoggan@lalgbtcenter.org or ( 323 )860-3730
Sue Yacka, New York City Anti-Violence Project: syacka@avp.org or ( 212 )714-1184
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.