KAPPA THETA EPSILON SORORITY, INCORPORATED FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 28th, 2018
CONTACT: Kay Edwards, Director of Communications press@kappathetaepsilon.com
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 hello@kappathetaepsilon.com. Let’s work together to end this violence and create a better future. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Kappa Theta Epsilon Sorority, Incorporated
Sisterhood. Fidelity. Accomplishment. Service.
*** Founded in Houston, TX in 2009, Kappa Theta Epsilon is a non-profit social service Sorority for lesbian professionals, collegians, and entrepreneurs. The mission of the Sorority is to promote a spirit of fraternity among professional women; to develop leaders in the global effort to eliminate societal ills affecting all women; and to impact communities through charitable efforts. To learn more about Kappa Theta Epsilon, visit the Sorority’s national website at kappathetaepsilon.com.
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____________________________________________________________________________________ Kappa Theta Epsilon Sorority, Incorporated
Sisterhood. Fidelity. Accomplishment. Service.