WASHINGTON — Ruby Corado is blunt when she assesses the current climate for D.C.’s gay and transgender community.
“Things are really bad”, said the founder of Casa Ruby, a nonprofit that assists gay and transgender clients.
That’s reflected in D.C. statistics: The number of reported hate crimes rose by 62 percent last year — from 66 in 2015 to 107 in 2016.
During a news conference Friday at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, Mayor Muriel Bowser and Police Chief Peter Newsham vowed to work toward improving the situation.
“Black or white, straight or gay — whether you’re new to the city or you’ve been here you’re entire life, my administration is committed to ensuring that our government protects you,” Bowser said.
Newsham echoed that sentiment. “I want our community to rest assured that the Metropolitan Police Department is committed to finding those responsible, and putting an end to hate in our community,” he said.
Regarding 2016’s hate crimes, the chief said that the biggest increases involved national origin, religion, sexual identity and sexual orientation.
Monica Palacio, director of the D.C. Office of Human Rights, announced that the District had compiled a list of resources for those who feel they have been subjected to discrimination or targeted in a hate crime.
Corado, who was among those attending the news conference, said she’s been tough on Newsham in the past, when a number of homicides involving transgender victims remained unsolved.
But with Newsham’s pledge, she sees a change.
“I do believe the department is taking the necessary steps that it’s going to take to address this issue long-term,” she said, but she added that “it’s a never-ending battle.”
It’s important for everyone, not just the members of groups singled out as hate crime victims, to be aware of the issue, Corado said.
“At the end of the day, no one wants to live in a city that is full of crime. You may be someone who may not feel affected, but you never know: A stray bullet can hit anyone.”
A’Nee, a transgender woman, said she was also gratified by D.C. police’s commitment to the transgender community.
“When you call 911, you’re not going to be discriminated against,” she said, “and they’re going to come on the spot, mainly because you’re LGBT. “They care more,” she said.
A’Nee said that she had never been the victim of a hate crime, but that she has been harassed on the street. “It’s still nerve-wracking,” she said.
Asked how she handles being the subject of comments because of her gender identity, she smiled and replied, “I pray.”
