We at the Violence Recovery Program wanted to acknowledge the reported hate violence that members of our LGBTQIA+ community experienced outside Jacque’s Cabaret in the South End this past weekend. The South End is one of Boston’s most prominent LGBTQIA+ neighborhoods and a welcoming space for many. These acts of verbal and physical violence are despicable and not acceptable under any circumstances. Violence done to any of our community members is a threat to us all and we see Fenway Health as sharing in a collective responsibility to create and maintain safety in our communities.
We know that hate crimes have been increasing both nationally and locally and that in Boston the majority of these crimes target people of color. Hate violence – in all of its forms – is unacceptable and never your fault. We invite you to stand with all of our LGBTQIA+ family that have experienced violence. We believe it is important for us to come together with love, compassion, and support.
If you, or someone you know, has experienced violence directly or indirectly we encourage you to connect with your community and the supports that are most meaningful to you. Fenway Health’s Violence Recovery Program is also a resource for anyone who has experienced anti-LGBTQIA+ violence. Call the Violence Recovery Program Consultation Line for more information at 617.927.6250. For 24-hour support, call the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Program’s bilingual hotline at 212.714.1141.
Sincerely,
Violence Recovery Program staff