Local
Trans woman escapes D.C. shooting attack
Police issue alert of ‘emerging pattern’
An unidentified suspect fired a semi-automatic handgun at a transgender woman at 2:45 a.m. on Sunday, July 31, just one block from the site where a transgender woman was shot to death less than two weeks earlier, D.C. police announced on Tuesday.
Police said the suspect missed hitting the victim in the latest case. But they said that since transgender women were the target in both incidents, “the cases are being investigated as a potential emerging pattern” of crimes against the transgender community.
“The victim was in the 6200 block of Dix Street, N.E., when a suspect approached on foot,” a police statement says in describing the shooting on Sunday. “The suspect asked for change and without waiting for a reply pulled a semi-automatic handgun and shot at the victim, without hitting the victim.”
The statement describes the suspect as a black male, 17 to 19 years of age, about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing about 180 pounds, with a dark complexion. It says detectives from the Sixth District are investigating the case.
The latest incident follows the July 20 shooting death of transgender woman Lashai Mclean, 23, who was attacked on the 6100 block of Dix Street, N.E. at about 4:30 a.m.
Police say they have yet to identify a suspect or motive in that case. However, in the statement released Tuesday about the shooting of the second transgender woman, police for the first time provided a description of two unidentified suspects in the Mclean case.
“The suspects are described as two black males in their late teens to early 20s,” the police statement says. “The first suspect is described as being 6-feet-tall with a thin build and light complexion,” it says. “The shooter is described as being shorter and having a darker complexion than the other suspect.”
The statement adds that the shooter “started asking a question, and without provocation” pulled out a handgun and fired, killing Mclean.
Officials with the D.C. group Transgender Health Empowerment, which had provided assistance to Mclean, said a transgender woman was with Mclean at the time of the shooting. The T.H.E. officials have said the woman, whose identity is being withheld, was cooperating with police in the investigation.
Police and residents living near the 6100 block of Dix Street, N.E., have said the area is a well-known night time meeting place for male-to-female transgender prostitutes and the male clients who seek their services. Transgender activists have said transgender women also socialize in that area and not all trans woman hanging out there are prostitutes.
The 6100 block of Dix Street is located less than two blocks from Eastern Avenue, which serves as the border line between D.C. and Prince George’s County, Md. Authorities have said that section of Eastern Avenue is also known as a night time gathering place for transgender sex workers.
“The Metropolitan Police Department’s Sixth District, the Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit (GLLU), and Prince George’s County Police Department have teamed together to enhance patrol efforts in the area where the crimes have occurred,” the police statement says. “The GLLU is focusing on making contact with people in the area. We will ensure that flyers are distributed on both crimes.”
The statement says D.C. police are also enlisting the support of community groups such as T.H.E. and other members of the transgender community to distribute safety messages to those who hang out in that location.
“Do not walk alone,” says one of the messages. The other says, “Report suspicious persons and activities immediately to us.”
Anyone with information about the Mclean murder or the latest shooting attack along the 6200 block of Dix Street, N.E., is asked to call D.C. police at 202-727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIME.
The department offers a reward of $25,000 to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of a person or persons wanted for any homicide committed in D.C.
District of Columbia
Layoffs and confusion at Pride Center of Maryland after federal grants cut, reinstated
Trump administration move panicked addiction and mental health programs
By ALISSA ZHU | After learning it had abruptly lost $2 million in federal funding, the Pride Center of Maryland moved to lay off a dozen employees, or about a third of its workforce, the Baltimore nonprofit’s leader said Thursday.
The group is one of thousands nationwide that reportedly received letters late Tuesday from the Trump administration. Their mental health and addiction grants had been terminated, effective immediately, the letters said.
By Wednesday night, federal officials moved to reverse the funding cuts by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, estimated to total $2 billion, according to national media reports. But the Pride Center of Maryland’s CEO Cleo Manago said as of Thursday morning he had not heard anything from the federal government confirming those reports.
The rest of this article can be read on the Baltimore Banner’s website.
The Comings & Goings column is about sharing the professional successes of our community. We want to recognize those landing new jobs, new clients for their business, joining boards of organizations and other achievements. Please share your successes with us at [email protected].
Congratulations to Vida Rangel, JD/MPP on her promotion to Deputy Director of the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Appointments. Rangel is now the highest-ranking transgender official in the history of District government. On accepting the position Rangel said, “I am proud to step into this leadership role and to continue serving my communities. Our District is full of passionate and knowledgeable people who are committed to public service, and it is an honor to help them explore opportunities to serve their neighbors.”
Rangel has previously served in this office as Director of Operations. Prior to this as Bargaining Committee Chair, Organizing Committee, NCTE United, Nonprofit Professional Employees Union IFTPE Local 70. As Policy Counsel, National Center for Transgender Equality; and Elizabeth Warren for President, lead organizer, Illinois 4th Congressional District. She has worked with, and served on boards of, The Black & Pink National, Federal City Performing Arts Assoc., and LAGBAC.
Rangel earned her bachelor’s in sociology from Sam Houston State University; master’s of Public Policy from Loyola University, Chicago; and Juris Doctor, Loyola University, Chicago.
Congratulations also to James Conlon new PFLAG vice president of Development & Philanthropic Partnerships. Upon his appointment Conlon said, “It is an absolute privilege to join PFLAG National and lead their Development & Philanthropic Partner team into a new era. Right now, LGBTQ+ people and their families are terrified of what the future might bring, and PFLAG must continue to be there. My job is to ensure PFLAG strongly endures and thrives, because never has there been a clearer time for our community to unite in fighting for the dignity and well-being of every LGBTQ+ person.”
Brian Bond, CEO, PFLAG National, said, “At a time when PFLAG National programs and participation in them have grown significantly, even as corporate giving has left a $1.3M gap in our funding, James is a critical new addition to the team. With his vast expertise, James will drive our growth and ensure that PFLAG continues meeting the needs of families and communities across the country.”
Conlon is a seasoned fundraiser who has spent extensive time working with advocates, supporters, and leaders, of the LGBTQ+ movement to understand how to effectively support the community. He began his career as an intern in the Massachusetts State House. He has helped raise more than $60 million for critical causes and candidates. Prior to joining PFLAG James oversaw LGBTQ+ investments and fundraising, with the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Prior to that he served in the same role for Harris-Walz 2024, and additionally served in senior fundraising positions for the Senate Majority PAC, as well as for Representatives Josh Gottheimer, and Conor Lamb.
Conlon earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and government from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
District of Columbia
D.C.’s annual MLK Peace Walk and Parade set for Jan. 19
LGBTQ participants expected to join mayor’s contingent
Similar to past years, members of the LGBTQ community were expected to participate in D.C.’s 21st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Peace Walk and Parade scheduled to take place Monday, Jan. 19.
Organizers announced this year’s Peace Walk, which takes place ahead of the parade, was scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. at the site of a Peace Rally set to begin at 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of Firth Sterling Avenue and Sumner Road, S.E., a short distance from Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.
The Peace Walk and the parade, which is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. at the same location, will each travel along Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue a little over a half mile to Marion Barry Avenue near the 11th Street Bridge where they will end.
Japer Bowles, director of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, said he and members of his staff would be marching in the parade as part of the mayor’s parade contingent. In past years, LGBTQ community members have also joined the mayor’s parade contingent.
Stuart Anderson, one of the MLK Day parade organizers, said he was not aware of any specific LGBTQ organizations that had signed up as a parade contingent for this year’s parade. LGBTQ group contingents have joined the parade in past years.
Denise Rolark Barnes, one of the lead D.C. MLK Day event organizers, said LGBTQ participants often join parade contingents associated with other organizations.
Barnes said a Health and Wellness Fair was scheduled to take place on the day of the parade along the parade route in a PNC Bank parking lot at 2031 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., S.E.
A statement on the D.C. MLK Day website describes the parade’s history and impact on the community.
“Established to honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the parade united residents of Ward 8, the District, and the entire region in the national movement to make Dr. King’s birthday a federal holiday,” the statement says. “Today, the parade not only celebrates its historic roots but also promotes peace and non-violence, spotlights organizations that serve the community, and showcases the talent and pride of school-aged children performing for family, friends, and community members.”
Layoffs and confusion at Pride Center of Maryland after federal grants cut, reinstated
Comings & Goings
D.C.’s annual MLK Peace Walk and Parade set for Jan. 19
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