Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2000 00:05:47 -0400
From: Joo-Hyun Kang <j.kang@xxxxxxx>
Subject: [BRC-ANN] Statement on New York Festival Attacks
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THE AUDRE LORDE PROJECT
Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit & Transgender
People of Color Communities
STATEMENT ON CENTRAL PARK & 116th St. FESTIVAL ATTACKS
June 16, 2000
As a Center that is run by and for Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, Two Spirit & Transgender (LGBTST) People of Color
communities, we issue this statement in the context of June
Pride month to unequivocally condemn the vicious attacks
against women that occurred this past weekend (Saturday 6/10
at the 116th St. Festival, and Sunday 6/11 in Central Park).
As of this writing, over 30 women have been reported to come
forward as survivors of these attacks.
Let us be clear that these attacks, and violence against
women in general, are examples of hate violence: women were
targeted based on their gender, and gender expression. And
in spite of the extraordinary media coverage of these
particular assaults, these are not isolated incidents.
They unfortunately reflect sexism, misogyny and violence
that are deeply rooted in our society, where women
(including Lesbian, Bisexual, Two Spirit and Transgender
women) of all races and cultures are still victimized on
a DAILY and HOURLY basis.
We view the media coverage and statements of some public
figures regarding the shameful incidents this past weekend
with mixed emotions. On one hand, the visible attention and
rejection of violence against women is to be applauded. On
the other hand, we are also witnessing a dangerous public
discourse that is using racism and ageism to scapegoat men
of color and young people as the roots of the problem.
As part of justice movements, we are right to demand
accountability and justice in each of these cases.
At the same time, it is critical that we combat
the backwards elements of this public discourse.
Despite the impression that may be left by the "mugshots" of
men of color that have been displayed on the covers of NYC
tabloids this week, and the constant underlining of the fact
that the incidents took place during the weekend of the
Puerto Rican Day Parade, perpetrators of violence against
women are not specific to Puerto Rican, Latino, African
descent, or other communities of color. Men who perpetrate
violence against women are of all racial backgrounds. And as
evident from the assaults that took place during Woodstock
2 (and the reality of daily life in this country), these
attacks are not restricted to ethnic-based celebrations or
communities. As People of Color, we know that racism in the
U.S. has often supported the mistaken notion that men of
color are somehow more prone to violence against women
than white men. We reject this notion. Many men of color
understand and act on the reality that anti-sexism is a core
value and requirement of progressive justice movements. As a
result, we call on our brothers to re-commit themselves in
this time to breaking the silence - by confronting sexist
jokes, by intervening and stopping violence when they
witness it (whether physical, mental, emotional or
spiritual), and by proactively fighting for and
supporting women's participation and leadership
in all arenas.
We also reject current trends of public discourse that have
sought to single out youth and hip hop culture as somehow
inherently violent. Commentators and public figures who
attempt to scapegoat and criminalize youth and hip hop
culture as the root causes of violence against women ignore
the daily and historic role that young people and hip hop
culture have played in struggles for justice, including the
ongoing struggle for women's rights and feminist justice.
Finally, as a Center committed to justice and liberation for
all of our peoples, we call on our communities to struggle
with the contradictions inherent in some of the recent
calls for increased policing, police presence, and enhanced
criminal penalties as a solution. While these incidents are
indeed examples of hate crimes, incarcerating more people
for longer periods of time in a racist, homophobic, trans-
phobic and classist criminal (in)justice system can not
be our final solution to hate violence. In addition, the
reality of sexism within the NYPD, the behavior of some
officers this weekend in belittling and remaining inactive
in spite of direct reports of the violence, and the
continued harassment and violence by the police against
LGBTST communities (particularly gay men of color, people
of Transgender experience and youth of color) and other
communities makes the call for increased policing
problematic. While the NYPD must be held accountable
for the non-action of officers this past weekend, we
must simultaneously continue to challenge the further
criminalization of our communities as an easy solution
to violence.
In the spirit of Pride, in honoring the legacy of Stonewall,
and in celebrating and cherishing the lives of each of our
LGBTST brothers and sisters of color in this city - we ask
that all of our communities speak out, organize and confront
the ongoing epidemic of violence against women, and all
others deemed expendable by dominant cultures.
***
The Audre Lorde Project:
Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit & Transgender
People of Color Communities
85 So. Oxford St.
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Tel: 718-596-0342
Fax: 718-596-1328
Email: alpinfo@xxxxxxx
-30-
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