THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

"The deaths of Gemmel Moore and the young man who died Monday are beyond tragic, however, because they're both Black gay men justice is not prevailing.

"All violence against Black people — police violence, sexual violence, domestic violence, prison abuse and other violence — must be confronted with the full might of justice at our disposal. This is especially true at a time where the nation's commander in chief is using identity politics to divide and score political points.

"Black victims, especially those of us with intersectional and marginalized identities, are too often ignored, undervalued, and blamed for the abuse we endure. R. Kelly's abuse of Black girls was an open secret long before the recent docuseries. The horrific stories of these victims are being discussed with renewed interest at the same time that Black transgender women are experiencing an epidemic of violence and murder with little competency or public acknowledgement by law enforcement or the media. My hope is that recent conversations about persistent violence and abuse of power encourages conversations and action to protect and support all Black women and girls.

"It was public knowledge that Ed Buck was allegedly giving young Black gay men harmful drugs long before this second young man died in his home, so I also hope that these tragic events encourage conversation about the fact that the lives of Black gay men are not disposable.

"The National Black Justice Coalition ( NBJC ) demands justice for all victims of violence. Young Black people, especially young Black LGBTQ people, must be protected. We have called on the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the Democratic establishment that Buck supported to do just that in 2017, and they failed. Another life has been lost. Now they must act."

Fron a prees release

The National Black Justice Coalition is ( NBJC ) is America's leading civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and same gender loving ( LGBTQ/SGL ) people, including people living with HIV/AIDS.