********* PLEASE DISTRIBUTE WIDELY *********
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Loree Cook-Daniels
Policy and Program Director
FORGE
PO Box 1272
Milwaukee, WI 53201
www.forge-forward.org
414-559-2123
LoreeCD@aol.com
October 5, 2010
Family and friends of the late Chanel Larkin will be joined by community supporters at an 8:00 p.m. Candlelight Vigil on the 5-month anniversary of her murder, Thursday, October 7, 2010, at the site where she died: the corner of Garfield and 23rd, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Chanel Larkin, 26 years old at the time of her death, was fatally shot by Andrew Olaciregui, 28, after he learned that she was transgender. Although her death has been a terrible loss to those who knew her as a vibrant, loving woman, it has also gravely injured the larger Milwaukee transgender community, who was reminded through this murder that we still live in a society in which transgender people - especially if they are also African-American - are subject to discrimination, hate, and violence.
Supporters are invited to join the vigil at 8:00 p.m. to honor Chanel and her survivors and to come together as a community.
The Candlelight Vigil is one of several actions that have grown out of a series of community meetings organized by FORGE, Wisconsin's largest transgender and SOFFA (Significant Others, Friends, Family, and Allies) organization, and SHEBA (Sisters Helping Each Other Battle AIDS), a program of Diverse & Resilient. The purpose of these meetings has been to support community members in our grief and to transform our loss into positive changes in our shared and respective communities. These efforts include calling for public discussions and actions designed to help transgender people complete their education without harassment, obtain and maintain employment without discrimination, and live peaceful lives free of prejudice and violence. For more information, contact FORGE at 414-559-2123 or AskFORGE@forge-forward.org.
