The DC Center

Footage from Marriage Equality Hearings on Monday

2009-10-29T13:24:00.001-07:00

On Monday, October 25th, the District of Columbia City Council held a public hearing on the subject of the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009, which would grant legal marriage to same sex couples.

Prior to the hearing for this hotly contested issue, for which 269 people registered to testify, opponents of marriage equality held a protest in D.C.'s Freedom Plaza. The group seeks a referendum on the bill, which would likely violate D.C.'s Human Rights Act, which forbids ballot initiatives on issues of civil rights. Footage taken and edited by the People for the American Way sums up the points, spirit, and clear homophobia of the group.

Assertions that religion was necessarily tied to opposition to the bill were disputed again and again during Monday's testimonies. Over the course of the hearings, religious leaders of many faiths testified on behalf of marriage equality.

Reverend Robert Hardies of All Souls Church testified that he was firmly committed to marriage equality.

"My faith teaches me that where love is present, God is also present," said Hardies. "I urge you to do the right thing and to stand on the side of love."

Hardies also applauded the council's legislation for its broad religious liberties clause, which would allow those churches who disagreed with same sex marriage to refuse to perform ceremonies.

Georgetown professor, Catholic priest, and organizer for Catholics United for Marriage Equality Rev. Dr. Joseph Palacios, spoke of what he viewed as the essential separation of church and state, especially as concerns marriage.

Palacios also cited statistics indicating that, when told that churches would not be forced to perform same sex marriages, as is provided in the bill, Catholics are in favor of civil marriage equality.

Testimonies in favor of marriage equality swept across a broad range of demographics. Patrick Mara, who identified himself as a "straight Republican who unequivocally supports marriage equality in the District of Columbia," spoke of a large contingency of local Republicans that favored the bill, and said that the city must not "penalize citizens that are gay or lesbian because of their birth."

DC for Marriage organizer Michael Crawford spoke briefly about the contingent of African American voters in D.C., which he said have been wrongly characterized as uniformly opposed to marriage equality.

"My group, DC for Marriage, has been having literally thousands of conversations with residents across the District," said Crawford, "and overwhelmingly we have had people who have said to us 'we are with you on marriage equality.'"

Crawford said that he wants marriage in the District in part because he wants his 92-year-old grandmother to see her oldest grandson get married.

Bishop Harry Jackson asked the city council members to respect the rights of the people of D.C. to have a referendum, describing at length the District's milestones in voting.

David Catania had a history lesson of his own (3:17), saying that the last advisory referendum vote involving the rights of a particular community was in 1865, when the mayor feared efforts of radical Republicans to give the right to vote to recently freed slaves. The vote was 6591 to 35 to deny the right to freed African American males.

"There is an opportunity," said Catania, "to have tyranny at a ballot box."

Also notable in the history of D.C. voting is that Jackson has not participated in at least the last ten years, as he was a Maryland resident.

Final witness Ernestine Copeland captured the tone of opposition to marriage equality by wrapping up Monday's hearings, at approximately 10:50 p.m., by reading from words scrawled on a sheet of notebook paper that "the devil has showed up here today," and that "the prophecy has never gone unfulfilled."

"My god is about reproduction," said Copeland, who felt confident that this legislation (which would help grant equal rights to all District residents) would destroy our society, as "we serve a just god."

Copeland also saw fit to refer to one councilman as Demon Wells.

"You allowed me to be fired over the telephone, working for the D.C. government," said Copeland on the apparent subject of marriage equality. "Shame on you demons."

The second and final hearing on marriage equality will be held next Monday at 3 p.m.

ALSO OF INTEREST:

In three videos, the council members discuss with Catholic Charities their rights as a group funded 75% by public money.

Bookreading at Lambda Rising

2009-10-29T13:02:00.000-07:00

Lambda Rising will be holding a free author event at the bookstore, 1625 Connecticut Ave. NW, with author and leader in the deaf LGBT community Raymond Luczak, on November 4th at 6:30. An ASL interpreter will be onsite throughout the event.

Luczak will be reading from his book Assembly Required: Notes from a Deaf Gay Life, in which he shares stories from his days growing up as a deaf gay man in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and learning signs in secret, trying to follow the music on the radio in order to be cool like his hearing classmates, and feeling clueless whenever gay cultural icons like the Village People, Queen, and Bette Midler were promoted in his small hometown. After he graduated from high school and enrolled at Gallaudet University, the world’s only university for Deaf people, he discovered gay literature and came out soon after. He eventually got involved with Deaf theater collaborators, educators, and sign language interpreters, from which his worldview is substantially reshaped on issues of identity, literacy, technology, and family. Assembly Required offers a rare in-depth glimpse into what it means to be a Deaf gay man who lives between the Deaf and hearing worlds.

Raymond Luczak is the author and editor of ten books, including the Lambda Literary Award-nominated anthology Eyes of Desire: A Deaf Gay & Lesbian Reader and Assembly Required: Notes from a Deaf Gay Life. Number seven in a hearing family of nine children, he lost most of his hearing at the age of seven months due to a bout of double pneumonia. After high school graduation, Luczak went on to Gallaudet University, in Washington, DC, where he earned a B.A. in English. He learned American Sign Language (ASL) and became involved with the deaf community. Sixteen of his stage plays have been performed in three countries. His tenth book, Men with Their Hands: A Novel will publish later this year. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The event is free and open to the public. Contact Linsey Pecikonis at 202-462-6969 for any more information, or check out the Facebook page.

GLOV Forum with US Attorneys Office

2009-10-27T14:34:00.000-07:00

Representatives from the United States Attorney's Office (USAO) in the Department of Justice have will participate in a community forum with members of the DC LGBT community on November 5th. The purpose of this forum is to share ideas and information, to learn how cases are handled by the USAO, and -- most importantly - to begin an important dialogue that I hope will lead to better trust and communication between the DC LGBT community and the USAO, which prosecutes cases where we are victims.

The Forum will take place on Thursday, November 5 at 6 pm at the Foundry United Methodist Church, 1500 16th St., NW. Attendees from the USAO will include (subject to last-minute availability issues) Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Kevin Flynn (lead prosecutor in the Tony Hunter case), AUSA George Eliopoulis (the Hate/Bias Crimes Case Coordinator for the DOJ), AUSA Kim Her (Chief of the Victim/Witness Assistance Unit), and Albert Herring (Executive Assistant US Attorney for External Affairs and Chair of DC's Hate Crimes Task Force, of which GLOV is a member).

Women Over Fifty Outing to Oriental East

2009-10-26T12:59:00.000-07:00

Women over 50 will be meeting at the Oriental East Restaurant for lunch on Wednesday November 18th, at 12:00 PM.

Oriental East is located at 1312 East-West Highway in Silver Spring. The restaurant is in the Blair Shopping Center walking distance from the Silver Spring Metro Station. For more information visit the Oriental East Website.

Women over Fifty is a social group for lesbian, bi, and trans (LBT) women over fifty. For more information join the Women over Fifty Yahoo Group. For more information about this event, e-mail Patti.

October 29th: Raise a Soulful Voice for Marriage Equality

2009-10-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

We invite you to join with people of faith from across DC for Soulful Voices for Marriage Equality, an inspiring night of music and worship in support of marriage equality for the LGBT community. As you know, the DC Council is currently considering a marriage equality bill, and the media continues to portray people of faith as opposed to this bill. We know this isn't true. Nearly 200 DC clergy, including Catholics, have signed a Declaration of Religious Support for Marriage Equality, and now its time for you to lend your voice to this important struggle. Please join us this Thursday at 7:00 pm at Asbury United Methodist Church, on the corner of 11th & K Sts, NW. Asbury is located just 3 blocks from Metro Centro Station, and there is ample parking nearby.

WHAT: Soulful Voices for Marriage Equality: A Faith Celebration

WHERE: Asbury United Methodist Church, 11th & K Sts., NW

WHEN: Thursday, October 29, from 7-9 pm

WHO: People of faith from across DC who support marriage equality for the LGBT Community.

Volunteer Night November 2nd

2009-10-22T14:51:00.000-07:00

Bring your friends and join us for Volunteer Night!!

Monday, November 2nd from 6:30pm - 9:00pm

Pizza and soda will be provided, activities include:
- Safer Sex Kit assembly for HIV Working Group
- Data Updates for DC For Marriage
- Other activities TBA

Bring your friends and meet new ones while making a difference for LGBT rights in DC!!

RSVP on Facebook

A Journey to Stress Relief Through Meditation

2009-10-22T14:14:00.000-07:00

Do you need a little sweetness in your life? Come and taste the ancient candy of meditation done up (LGBTQ) style. This workshop is for persons of all and no spiritual traditions. We will have fun while learning the fundamentals of a gentle meditation technique. No religious background or interest is required! Interest in cultivating your own well being is encouraged.

Classes will take place at the DC Center for three consecutive Saturdays: November 7th, November 14th, and November 21st. Classes will take place from 2:00 PM to 3:15 PM. $40.00 per person with pre-registration by November 2nd, 2009 and $50 per person 11/3 and after. Space is limited. Send an e-mail to queenrah2000@yahoo.com.

Your Instructor, Rebecca A. Helem, M.S.W.

Rebecca A. Helem is a certified meditation teacher (CMT). She received her certification to teach the Hong-Sau meditation technique, from the Ananda Expanding Light Retreat Center, in NevadaCity California. Prior to this, Rebecca, received a fellowship from Vallecitos Mountain Refuge toattend a 10 day silent Vipassina Meditation retreat for long-time activist, in the Mountains of Taos, New Mexico. She holds her MSW from the University of Pennsylvania, her LICSW, and has over 28 years health and human services work experience in challenging work settings to include an urban high school, prisons, and the District of Columbia’s child welfare system.

Her organizing work in the sexual minority community in DC includes serving as the co-founder andPresident of CLOAVE Inc. (Collective Lesbians of African-Descent Voices Everywhere), from1997-2005. In 1991, Rebecca received a LAMBDA Award for Emerging Leader from thePhiladelphia Gay News. She playfully reports, “Meditation saved my life”! She has been a resident of the District of Columbia for over a decade where she currently resides with her“Sweetie” of 12 years.

Due to the understandable need for quiet and concentration while learning this new skill, we willnot be able to allow entry into the class beyond 5 minutes after the scheduled starting time.Please be advised that the practice of the Hong-Sau technique is not recommended for those who are depressed.

inVisible: Shining a light on DC’s homeless youth

2009-10-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

Over two million youth (between the ages of 12 and 24) will experience at least one episode of homelessness each year and over 100,000 youth sleep on the street for 6 months or more in America. Between 20 and 40 percent of these young people identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT).

Come hear from local community and government leaders as we discuss the impact of youth homelessness in the District and what you can do to support local efforts to address youth homelessness.

This event will be moderated by Adam Tenner, Executive Director of Metro TeenAIDS and will include a youth representative from SMYAL.

This event takes place Tuesday November 10th at The True Reformer Building (1200 U Street, NW) from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Please rsvp to ife@dc-aya.org.

CAVE Meeting November 11th

2009-10-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

The next CAVE meeting will take place November 11th at 7:00 PM at the DC Center, 1111 14th Street NW Suite 350. Our meetings normally take place the second Wednesday of each month. The meeting will include a mini-presentation and discussion on The Role of Community Advisory Board Members. We will also be finalizing our plans for World AIDS Day. Please join us!

CAVE (www.aidsvaccine.org) is the community advisory board for the Vaccine Research Center. Capital Area Vaccine Effort is a volunteer panel of individuals from the general public and from the diverse communities affected by AIDS. CAVE is organized to assist and advise AIDS vaccine trials in the metropolitan DC area by:

Assessing the concerns and serving as an advocate for AIDS vaccine participants and the general public.
Acting as a liaison & ombudsman between AID vaccine researchers and those interested in AIDS vaccine research.
Reflecting affected populations in its own composition.As appropriate, encouraging participation in AIDS Vaccine Trials, and acting as community educators on AIDS vaccine research
Assessing ethical and social implications & impact of the AIDS Vaccine Trials

MPD Open House November 17th

2009-10-20T12:14:00.001-07:00

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) will hold an open house Question & answer session for the LGBT community on its plans for the Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit.

The meeting will take place at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, November 17 in the Edna Frazier Community Room of the Reeves Center (2000 14th St, NW). This is an excellent opportunity to share your views and get answers to your concerns.

RSVP to Christopher Dyer at Christopher.Dyer@dc.gov if you plan to attend.

Causes in Common: Reproductive Justice & LGBT Liberation

2009-10-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

The 3rd Annual National Meeting of Causes in Common: Reproductive Justice & LGBT Liberation will take place November 5th and 6th 2009 in Washington, DC.

Causes in Common is an organizing initiative of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center (the Center) in New York. Causes in Common is a working alliance between LGBT activists and those fighting to maintain and expand reproductive justice. The DC Center was a founding member of this coalition in December 2004.

If you are interested in attending this meeting representing your own organization, please make sure to join at www.gaycenter.org/causesincommon prior to attending the National Meeting. If you are interested in representing The DC Center at this meeting, please call 202 682-2245 or e-mail contact@thedccenter.org.

Washington Blade Profiles HIV/AIDS Activist & Center Board Member Pat Hawkins

2009-10-16T19:49:00.001-07:00

Dr. Pat Hawkins is featured in the Washington Blade Queery Column this week. Dr. Hawkins serves on the Board of Directors of The DC Center.

It’s been a year of change and transition for Pat Hawkins, one of the Rainbow History pioneers being honored this month. She was laid off Dec. 31 after nearly 20 years at Whitman-Walker Clinic where she worked as a psychotherapist. She spent most of the year consulting, doing private practice and working on getting the Ryan White act reauthorized. She was approached by Peter Metasatos to start a new venture, the D.C. Community AIDS Network, where she’ll work as a psychotherapist and behavioral health consultant. Hawkins, 69, says there are so many pressing needs facing D.C.’s HIV-positive residents, there’s room for many service organizations. “So many with HIV and AIDS are not receiving care,” she says.

continue reading this article on the Washington Blade website

Robert Hannah Receives Maximum Misdemeanor Sentence, GLOV DC Voices Disappoinment in Criminal Justice System

2009-10-16T15:50:00.000-07:00

Robert Hannah Receives Maximum Misdemeanor Sentence for Death of Tony Hunter
GLOV DC Voices Disappointment in Criminal Justice System

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A District of Columbia Superior Court Judge yesterday sentenced Robert Hannah with the maximum penalty allowable for misdemeanor assault in the case of U.S. vs. Hannah. This trial was for the beating death of Tony Hunter, a gay D.C. resident who died as a result of injuries sustained by Hannah’s brutal attack the night of September 7, 2008. GLOV (D.C.’s LGBT Anti‐Violence Taskforce) has responded to this sentencing with an official statement from Co‐Chairs Chris Farris and Todd Metrokin:

“While we are pleased that the judge – the first person to see all of the evidence in this case publicly and fully ‐‐ imposed the maximum sentence allowable, we are disappointed that the ultimate charge was a misdemeanor assault as opposed to manslaughter. The conclusion in this case continues to leave the impression that the criminal justice system accepts the defendant’s gay‐panic defense as
fact.”

The Tony Hunter case has been at the center of controversy for the past year, causing fear, anger, mistrust and outrage within the D.C. LGBT community. On the night of September 7, 2008, Mr. Hunter and a friend were attacked and beaten by a group of men. Only one person, Robert Hannah, was arrested in the case, and he claimed that Mr. Hunter provoked the incident by groping him.. Tony Hunter died 10 days later from injuries sustained in the attack. GLOV and other leaders from the LGBT community have since voiced outrage at the criminal justice system’s acceptance of the defendant's position that he was groped by the victim, failure to apprehend the other attackers, and failure to take action in relation to the attack on the second victim.

“This case has had a devastating impact on the LGBT community of D.C. for two reasons: first, it is another in a line of crimes against LGBT people that are being perpetrated against us solely for who we are, and second, it has caused the community to question whether the criminal justice system is willing to protect us and punish those who commit these crimes,” said Chris Farris.

Farris and Metrokin plan to take the lessons learned from this case and urge the D.C. LGBT community to continue working with the United States Attorney’s Office and the Metropolitan Police Department to ensure that an instance such as this doesn’t occur again and to restore the LGBT community’s trust in the criminal justice system.

“We believe that aggressive enforcement and prosecution of people who commit acts of violence are integral components to an overall solution designed to reduce hate crimes in DC.,” said Farris. “In this case we don’t believe that purpose was achieved. GLOV is absolutely committed to continuing to work with the MPD and USAO to restore our community’s trust in the system and forge a relationship going
forward to ensure nothing like this happens again.”

About GLOV

GLOV's mission is to work to reduce violence against LGBT individuals through outreach, education, and advocacy. GLOV seeks to assist victims by monitoring cases to ensure the rights and dignity of LGBT victims are respected and protected and by providing a community of support. www.glovdc.org.

Elder Think Tank Meeting Monday October 26th

2009-10-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

The Elder Think Tank monthly meeting will take place on Monday, October 26th, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at The DC Center, 1111 14th Street NW , Suite 350. The usually meets on the fourth monday of every month.

The group will be working on the goals they have set out at their recent retreat, including finalizing their standard operating procedures.

The Elder Think Tank, a program of The DC Center, is the intergenerational and inclusive organization that provides appropriate education, advocacy and services to the LGBT aging population in the Metro DC area. Join us!

GLOV Launches Ad Campaign

2009-10-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

GLOV has launched a new ad campaign to raise awareness of the fact that more than 75% of hate crimes in DC are against members of the LGBT community, a number five-times that of the national average. A full-page ad can be seen in the current issue of Metro Weekly. (click here to view the MW ad online).

Additional images from the campaign were on display at the October 4H Club, held at the Donovan Hotel (click here to see pics from this event).

The primary mission of Gays and Lesbians Opposing Violence (GLOV) is to work to reduce violence against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and transgender (LGBT ) individuals (and those perceived as LGBT ) through community outreach, education, and monitoring cases to ensure that the rights and dignity of LGBT victims are respected and protected. GLOV also seeks to assist victims of anti-LGBT violence by advocating on their behalf, encouraging reporting, and providing a community of support. Find out more at www.glovdc.org

Whitman-Walker Clinic Seeks Volunteers

2009-10-13T12:33:00.000-07:00

Whitman-Walker Clinic is seeking volunteers for a new Peer Counseling Program. The goal of the Peer Counseling Program is to provide one-on-one peer support for individuals around issues of coming out, relationships, HIV status, gender identity and other areas of concern in which a listening ear and reflective questioning may help the client look into his/her situation. The Peer Counselor can also serve as a resource by providing information pertaining to the Client’s concerns.

For more information contact Gutowski, Ellen at V-EGutowski@wwc.org or call 202-939-7646.

OutWrite Presents Jacqueline DeCarlo This Thursday!

2009-10-12T17:22:00.001-07:00

Join us on Thursday October 15 at 7:00 pm at the Center(1111 14th St NW Suite 350) as Jacqueline DeCarlo reads from her book Fair Trade: a Beginner's Guide.

What’s wrong with buying regular coffee? Does Fair Trade necessarily mean ethical trade? What impact can the average consumer have on global economics? Local GLBT author and activist Jacqueline DeCarlo reveals why the movement has come to mean far more than just bananas, coffee, and chocolate. Grounded in the inspiring power of Fair Trade as a positive alternative to poverty, environmental destruction, and human exploitation, this enlightening book explains how we can make a difference, providing an accessible explanation of the principles behind the movement and tracing its development into the powerful economic and social justice tool it is today.

Jacqueline DeCarlo will read from her guide for the beginner as well as the seasoned Fair Trade follower.

"From coffee farmers to consumers, ceramics to certification, DeCarlo brings to life the history and depth of the Fair Trade movement." -- Rob Everts - Co-Executive Director, Equal Exchange

Jacqueline DeCarlo is a DC LGBT author and blogger committed to Fair Trade education. Her blog, www.jacdecarlo.com, serves as a companion guide to her book as well as an informative, anecdotal tool for Fair Trade-conscious consumers.

The OutWrite provides a space for LGBT authors to share and discuss their work with the community. Find out more at http://www.outwritedc.org/

RSVP on Facebook
Download the flyer

Iraq’s New Surge: The Anti-Gay Killing Campaign and What Can Be Done

2009-10-09T17:34:00.000-07:00

A killing campaign spread across Iraq in early 2009. Armed gangs have kidnapped and tortured men suspected of being gay or of violating standards of “masculine” behavior. Threats, blackmail, midnight raids by masked men on private homes, abductions from the streets, mutilated bodies dumped in the garbage—these have become the conditions of life and death for Iraqi gays. No one will ever be able to tally the victims accurately, but the dead may already number in the hundreds or more.
The panel will address:

Human Rights Watch’s recent report on the murder campaign;
Implications for Iraq’s security and human rights situation;
US responsibilities to LGBT victims of violence, and to Iraqi refugees.

Speakers include:

Matthew Yglesias, fellow, Center for American Progress
Rasha Moumneh, researcher, Middle East/North Africa Division, Human Rights Watch
Scott Long, director, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights Program, Human Rights Watch
Additional Speakers TBA

Date and time: Wednesday, October 14, 7:00 P.M.
Location: Center for American Progress 1333 H Street NW, 10th Floor Washington, DC

To learn more about Human Rights Watch’s work on LGBT rights, please visit:
hrw.org/lgbt. RSVP to: lgbt@hrw.org. For more information, please contact Scott Long at (212) 216-1297.

Volunteer Opportunity: HPCPG Seeks New Members

2009-10-06T14:51:00.000-07:00

The DC HIV Prevention Community Planning Group is looking for volunteers to help the DC Department of Health stop the HIV epidemic in the District. The group’s goal is to develop a comprehensive HIV Prevention Plan for the District.

The HPCPG is comprised of a diverse group of community members from different racial/ethnic, gender and age groups who represent the perspectives of the groups most affected by the epidemic, including injection drug users, heterosexuals and men who have sex with men,

The group includes individuals with expertise in behavioral science, epidemiology and evaluation, as well as individuals with knowledge of the HIV prevention needs of District residents. Approximately 20 percent of the members are people living with HIV.

The group meets approximately 8 times a year. Members serve 2-year terms.

We are seeking individuals who can represent the perspectives of various risk groups, either because they identify with or can advocate for these groups, including youth (men and women 13-24), PLWH, Black MSM, Black male IDUs, Black heterosexual men and women, and transgender women.

The HPCPG is also seeking behavioral scientists, epidemiologists and evaluators.

Applications may be submitted until October 26, 2009.

To obtain an electronic copy of the application or for additional information please e-mail donald.babb@dc.gov.

Center Facts: LGBT Seniors in the District

2009-10-05T12:46:00.000-07:00

The DC Center has released a new fact sheet on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) seniors in the District of Columbia. The fact sheet is available on the DC Center website: LGBT Seniors in the District of Columbia.

You can also click here to download the fact sheet as a PDF.

For more information about LGBT Youth, visit the DC Center LGBT Seniors Page.

Elder Think Tank Social Hour at Panache

2009-10-04T12:19:00.000-07:00

Come and Join the Elder Think Tank for a social hour event at Panache Restaurant, 1725 DeSales St NW. The social hour takes Place Thursday October 22nd from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Individuals of all ages are welcome to join us for food and drinks (cash bar).

The Elder Think Tank is the intergenerational and inclusive organization that provides appropriate education, advocacy and services for the LGBT aging population in the Metro DC area. To find out more visit the Elder Think Tank Page.

HIV Working Group Meeting: Focus on HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials

2009-10-02T11:44:00.001-07:00

The next meeting of The DC Center's HIV Working Group takes place Wednesday October 28th at 7:00 PM at The DC Center, 1111 14th St NW Suite 350.

This months meeting will include a presentation on HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials taking place in the District of Columbia. Participants will get an overview of what type of HIV/AIDS trials are happening in our area and how to find out about them. We'll also discuss how to decide whether or not a trial is right for you, and how community members have input into the research process.

The HIV Working Group focuses on HIV prevention for gay, bisexual, and transgender (GBT) men in the District of Columbia. The group normally meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month.

Police Complaints Board Releases Report on Hate Crimes

2009-10-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

This week the Police Complaints Board (PCB), the governing body of the Office of Police Complaints (OPC),submitted a report to Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, the Council of the District of Columbia, and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Cathy L. Lanier recommending that the District undertake certain measures to address the reporting of hate crimes.

click here to download the entire report

In December 2008, the D.C. Council’s Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary held a hearing to air concerns about a recent rash of hate crimes affecting the city’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. PCB’s report focuses on some of the issues raised at the hearing.

OPC, which is independent of MPD, investigates police misconduct complaints filed by members of the public against MPD officers but does not handle complaints of citizen-on-citizen hate crime. However, the agency often receives complaints that MPD officers failed to take action in response to reports of crime, including reports of hate crime. OPC refers these “failure to provide police service” complaints to MPD because OPC lacks authority to investigate them.

To improve police response, PCB recommends that MPD and OPC collaborate to develop a system for identifying and tracking complaints that allege sub-par police service in response to reports of hate crime. Collecting and reviewing these data could help identify specific police procedures that are needed in order to ensure effective responses to hate crimes.

PCB also urges the Mayor’s Office to begin complying with its legal obligation under the D.C. Bias-Related Crime Act to collect, compile, and publish data on the incidence of hate crime in the District and to report on its findings to the D.C. Council. Annual issuance of this required report would aid District government officials and community groups in developing strategies to reduce the occurrence of hate crime.

PCB further proposes that MPD utilize its involvement with community advisory boards such as the Fair and Inclusive Policing Task Force and the D.C. Bias Crimes Task Force to develop ways to correct possible underreporting of hates crimes across all constituencies covered by the District’s hate crimes statute.

“There needs to be an immediate response to the public’s lack of confidence in how hate crimes are being pursued in the District,” said Kurt Vorndran, PCB’s chair. “By implementing the recommendations in the report, District agencies, including MPD, will be better able to identify trends and tailor programs that will reduce both the occurrence of hate crime and the level of police misconduct in Washington.”

For additional information or to view PCB's full report and recommendations, please visit OPC's website at www.policecomplaints.dc.gov.

Packing Party October 6th

2009-09-30T12:42:00.001-07:00

Help us Keep DC Safer! Join members of the HIV Working Group on Tuesday, October 6th at Motley Bar for another Packing Party. Volunteers will be assembling safer sex kits and enjoying great drink specials at Motley. 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM.

Motley is the upstairs bar at EFN Lounge, located at 1318 9th St NW.

October CODE Party Benefits The DC Center

2009-09-29T15:16:00.000-07:00

The October CODE Party will benefit The DC Center. CODE is a NEW monthly party on the first Saturday of every month at EFN Lounge, for guys who wear leather, uniforms, or other gear.

The October CODE Party features DJ Andre Xcellence, Destiny B. Childs, and live acts/demos including Jake the Barber. They'll also be plenty of Safer Sex Kits on hand. For more information, visit www.codedc.com.

October 3rd, 2009
EFN Lounge
1318 9th St NW
10:00 PM to 3:00 AM