Kappa Theta Epsilon Calls for Action in Response to Rising Anti-LGBT Violence

ATLANTA – Kaladaa Crowell. Brandi Mells. Shanta Myers. Kerrice Lewis. Kyra Inglett.
Shanise Myers. Jeremiah Myers. Seven lives – the future of four Black lesbian women and three
young children – ended tragically on December 28th, 2017.

These are the stories you don’t hear much about on the evening news; stories of lesbian-led families
snuffed out by senseless violence. Stories of promising young lives cut short with no explanation.
These three unrelated cases highlight an ever-present, but growing, problem in our community.

According to the annual study conducted by the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs,
violent crime against the LGBT community is on a steep climb. Anti-LGBTQ homicides rose by
86% in 2017, with the significant majority of victims being young and black.

We are issuing a clarion call to our family, friends, and allies. No matter your romantic affections or
identity, please stand with us as we demand justice for LGBTQ victims of violent crime.

Raise your voice are we speak the names of those we have lost, and work toward prevention of future
tragedy. Let us insist that law enforcement accurately report the relationship of lesbian-identified
couples, so that statisticians and the media recognize the crisis of violence we currently face.

Every member of our society deserves the right to live in safety and peace.

Kappa Theta Epsilon is committed to ending this epidemic and helping our community thrive. By
memorializing those we’ve lost, requiring accurate representation of our stories in the media, and
lobbying for more effective hate crime prevention measures, we are working to make our nation a
safer place for all LGBTQIA people.

We encourage other LGBT sororities, fraternities and civic organizations to join our efforts by
developing programming that addresses these issues.

If you or your organization would like to partner in this effort, please contact Kappa
at [email protected]. Let’s work together to end this violence and create a better future.

Please click here to read the Sorority’s official statement.