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

"We are deeply saddened by the death of Ricky Griffin," said Osman Ahmed, NCAVP Research and Education Coordinator at the New York City Anti-Violence Project. "While Ricky Griffin did not identify as LGBTQ, the anti-gay statements made by the alleged offender highlight the disproportionate threat of homicide for gay and bisexual men, and people perceived to be gay or bisexual, and point to a possible 'gay panic' motivation in this homicide."

The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs' ( NCAVP ) most recent report, Hate Violence Against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and HIV-Affected Communities in the United States in 2014, released on June 9, 2015 found that gay and bisexual men, along with transgender women, and LGBTQ people of color, face the highest risk of homicide. In 2014, 35% of homicide victims were men, all of whom identified as gay or bisexual.

NCAVP has reached out to local NCAVP member organization Trans Pride Initiative in Dallas, Texas to raise awareness of this homicide and to offer support to the local communities affected by this violence.

"We need to recognize that even if Griffin did not identify as a member of the LGBTQ community, the homicide appears to be motivated in part by stigma against the community," said Nell Gaither, President of Trans Pride Initiative. "It's so important to recognize that hate violence is connected to stigma held by the aggressor, not the identity of the victim."

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 .