Feedback: Feb. 4

Re: “Gay man charged with ‘hate crime’” (news, Jan. 28)

The Circle Keepers of the DC Radical Faeries would like to express our concern over the incident that occurred outside of JR.’s involving one of our newest members. While none of us knows exactly what happened in the heat of that moment, we are concerned over how this incident may be misconstrued to represent the DC Radical Faeries.

We would like to make it known that violence in any form is contrary to Radical Faerie beliefs and practices. We strive to resolve conflicts through building understanding and heartfelt empathy between people.

Violent acts, especially hate crimes, often stem from an illusion that another class of people are fundamentally different from the aggressor. When violence is responded to with violence it only serves to strengthen that illusion. It is our belief that by sharing ourselves, who we are and where we come from, we can reach through to the human being on the other side of the conflict.

Hate crimes are a systemic problem in the District. The lives of Principal Brian Betts, Wanda Alston, and countless transgender men and women were irreplaceable. Their loss has left a lasting impact on our community. We must strive to find solutions to these crimes that address the root of the problem, not just the individual incidents. —Circle Keepers of the DC Radical Faeries