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Md. juvenile authorities seek release of youth charged in transgender beating case

Baltimore County prosecutors oppose early release of Chrissy Polis attacker

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Chrissy Lee Polis was attacked earlier last April.

The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services is taking steps to obtain the early release of a 15-year-old female who pleaded guilty to the April 2011 hate crime beating of transgender woman Chrissy Lee Polis at a McDonald’s restaurant outside Baltimore.

According to Baltimore County Assistant State’s Attorney John Cox, DJS officials recently informed his office that they planned to petition a juvenile court judge to grant early release for the juvenile. Cox said his office will oppose the early release request at a court proceeding expected to take place later this month.

“We will definitely make it known to the judge that we oppose this,” Cox told the Blade on Thursday.

The juvenile, whose name has been withheld, was 14 at the time police arrested her and then 18-year-old Teonna Brown in connection with the Polis beating case. Both pleaded guilty to first-degree assault and the commission of a hate crime.

The incident attracted international attention after a McDonald’s employee captured the attack on video through his cell phone and posted it online, where it went viral.

The video shows Brown and the juvenile repeatedly punching and kicking Polis in the head and body while dragging her by her hair across the floor of the restaurant. Polis was 22 at the time.

Police and witnesses said the incident started when Polis attempted to use the women’s bathroom at the McDonald’s and the two teens who attacked her denounced her for being a guy dressed as a woman.

Brown, who was charged as an adult, was sentenced to five years in prison and three years of probation, which is to begin at the time her release. The juvenile was sentenced to a juvenile offender facility for an undetermined period of time.

Transgender activists cited the case as an example of the discrimination and violence often experienced by transgender people. They used the incident to build greater support for a transgender non-discrimination bill pending in the Maryland General Assembly.

Jay Cleary, a spokesperson for the state’s Department of Juvenile Services, said his agency is barred from discussing specific cases under a state privacy law pertaining to juveniles.

In commenting on cases in general, he said state law and policies for juvenile offenders sentenced to incarceration call for providing them with services and treatment in a “secured facility” for from thirty days to a year depending on their needs and the circumstances surrounding the case.

He said DJS has a staff of experts, including psychiatrists, who evaluate the juveniles to determine whether they are no longer a threat to the community or to themselves and may be ready for release into the community. Once released, Cleary said, they continue to receive treatment and services while in the care of a group home, foster parents, or in the home of their own parents if the experts deem that appropriate.

DJS recommends to a juvenile court judge whether a juvenile offender should be released from a secured facility and a judge makes the decision on whether to accept the recommendation, he said. If the recommendation is contested by prosecutors, a court hearing is held to give the parties an opportunity to argue their respective positions, Cleary said.

Cox said that under Maryland law, DJS operates the state’s juvenile detention and rehabilitation facilities and programs. He said that in most cases where juveniles are sentenced to incarceration under the state juvenile justice system, no specific length of time is set for the incarceration.

He said the DJS determines when a juvenile offender has been rehabilitated to a degree where he or she is ready for release. It then petitions a juvenile court judge to seek release of the juvenile, with the judge making the final decision on the request for release.

Cox said the judge would take into consideration the position of the prosecutor, which, in this case, is the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s office.

Mark Scurti, an attorney representing Polis, said he plans to inform the court that Polis joins the State’s Attorney’s office in opposing early release for the juvenile. He said he would seek permission to have Polis testify in opposition to the release if the judge calls a court hearing on the matter.

Scurti has said Polis overcame the physical injuries she received in the attack but suffers from post traumatic stress disorder, which was brought about by the attack.

Dana Beyer, executive director of Gender Rights Maryland, a transgender advocacy group, said her organization won’t second guess the action by DJS or the judge that makes the final decision on the possible release of the juvenile charged in the Polis case.

“We stand by the action by the state prosecutor who prosecuted Ms. Brown as an adult in this case and we would stand by he action of the juvenile justice system in the juvenile case,” Beyer said.

“But what we would like to see is a change in the culture that would ensure that this type of violence doesn’t occur again,” she said.

Beyer said Gender Rights Maryland also would welcome a decision by Baltimore County and state officials to testify before the County Council and before the state General Assembly on behalf of pending transgender non-discrimination bills expected to come up for a vote this year in both bodies.

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World Pride 2025

Tourists, locals express concerns about WorldPride security

Officials say no credible threats have been reported

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With WorldPride upon us, Washington, D.C. is preparing to welcome an estimated 2 million people who will flock to the District to celebrate queer love, identity and resistance, with another 1 million regional LGBTQ community members expected to attend.

With so many people visiting from across the ocean (as well as across the Potomac) amid a less-than-supportive presidential administration, the issue of safety has become a major concern for those attending and hosting events.

Various social media platforms — including Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Reddit — have become spaces for residents and tourists alike to air their concerns about safety and security. Many have cited the Trump-Vance administration by name as the source of their fear.

“As much as I appreciate PRIDE — can’t help but think @realdonaldtrump is going to step in at the last minute and y’all are going to have to scramble for backup plans…” one person commented under a WorldPride Instagram post listing some of the events planned for Pride.

“Trump better leave this alone and let us do our thing,” said another user under the same post.

Beyond general unease, others pointed to concrete concerns, citing the Trump administration’s policies and past behavior as reasons for alarm. From detaining outspoken critics to restricting international travel, the fear of interference feels rooted in precedent.

“Just worrying a bit for anyone traveling to the USA right now, in particular if they are not a citizen,” another person commented on a Capital Pride Instagram post. “Especially if they have stuff on their phone etc. that shows that they’re not 100% in love with Trump’s policies. Don’t get me wrong, it’s more important than ever to protest and celebrate in D.C. for the right to be different. Just wondering how we can make it as safe as possible??”

“So the reality of the situation is that 1) the threat profile has increased 2) federal and local resources dedicated to security have massively shrunk 3) the federal government is overtly hostile to the protection of queer people,” said user Xcelsiorhs on Reddit. “There are compelling reasons not to host WorldPride in a country which is unconcerned with gay rights. The security nexus is just one complication and trans/queer immigration concerns are also towards the top of the list.”

“I am extremely worried about the security of the event. I really hope outside security is brought in to make it safe,” said another Reddit user. “Especially the festival and parade that are open to anyone.”

Last week Capital Pride, the local organization in charge of Washington’s Pride celebrations, hosted a webinar dedicated to community fears regarding health and safety. More than 150 people attended the virtual event to hear what the organization’s leaders had to say.

Organizers say they are prepared to address any challenges that arise.

“Tens of thousands of hours have been dedicated to this event,” said Sadhand Miraminy, the director of operations for Capital Pride and host of the safety webinar, ensuring safety is a top priority of the event organizers. “You all are in good hands.”

“It does take a city,” said Linda Lindamood, the director for health and safety for WorldPride, who highlighted various changes from Pride events in years past. “This is the city where people come to have their voices heard… We have worked diligently to address those ‘what ifs…’”

“There is a backup plan for everything,” Miraminy said, following participant questions about some of those “what ifs.”

Trevor Knight, the partner engagement program manager for D.C. Homeland Security, assured attendees that, so far, nothing indicates the event is a target.

“We do not have any credible threats to WorldPride,” Knight said, but he did note changes in some Pride protocols in the nation’s capital.

One of the biggest changes will be an established perimeter around the street festival on Pennsylvania Avenue. This year, it will be entirely fenced in with only nine entrance points — all of which will have metal detectors, bag checks, and nearby law enforcement.

Some social media users criticized the move, citing the history of Pride as justification. Others, like Reddit user ATLinDC, welcomed the change if it means a safer celebration.

“People uncomfortable with law enforcement having a visible presence in and around bars need to get over it. Our spaces need protecting should something go wrong. We do not need another Pulse,” they commented. “I welcome daddy cops on every corner!”

Despite some fears, the general feeling after the meeting — and among some online — was that they felt listened to and saw the organizations doing everything in their power to keep LGBTQ people safe.

“I have confidence that local bar owners and organizers are going to put their best foot forward on security,” said Reddit user Xcelsiorhs. “And the reality of the situation is it will not be enough and the scale of the problem far exceeds their capacity to respond to it. And it is not plausible the resourcing gap will be bridged.”

“The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is working closely with our local, state, and federal partners as we prepare for WorldPride 2025. As with any other events in the District, it is our priority to ensure the safety and security of District residents and visitors. Further details about securing these events, road closures, and additional impacts will be released as we get closer to these events,” said Lee Lepe, public information officer for MPD.

“While there are no known threats to WorldPride 2025, we always encourage the public to remain vigilant. If you see something, say something. Please report threats and emergencies to 911. Keep your community safe by reporting suspicious activity by calling 202-727-9099, texting 50411, or visiting iwatchdc.org.”

D.C. police officials were noncommittal when asked if outside police forces from Virginia and Maryland would assist with security.

“I can confirm we are looking into that,” Tom Lynch, supervisory public affairs specialist for MPD, told the Blade in an email. “We will have more to share on this once it’s confirmed.”

Despite the concerns, Ryan Bos, executive director of Capital Pride, emphasized that those trying to keep LGBTQ people from celebrating Pride are the very reason the event must go on.

“We must remain visible,” said Bos. “We must continue to fight and show up.”

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District of Columbia

Rainbow History Project WorldPride exhibition to open May 18

‘Pickets, Protests and Parades’ to be on display at Freedom Plaza

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A scene from the Gay & Lesbian Pride Festival on June 17, 1990. (Blade file photo by Doug Hinckle)

D.C.’s Rainbow History Project is scheduled to open its WorldPride 2025 exhibition called “Pickets, Protests, and Parades: The History of Gay Pride in Washington” on Sunday, May 18, in Freedom Plaza.

Located on Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. between 13th and 14th streets less than three blocks from the White House, the exhibition will be open to the public free of charge for 24 hours through July 6.

The exhibition “will chronicle the local LGBTQ+ Pride movement and how the pickets and protests of the 1960s led to the vibrant celebrations of the 2020s,” a statement released by Rainbow History Project says.

The statement notes that the exhibition’s displays will include photos and information about a 1965 protest in front of the White House by 10 gay men and lesbians carrying picket signs in what is believed to be one of the city’s and possibly the nation’s first public demonstrations in support of the then homosexual community.

“The exhibition disrupts the popularly held belief that the LGBTQ+ rights movement began with the Stonewall Riots in 1969 in New York,” the statement points out. It says the 1965 gay protest outside the White House, which took place four years before Stonewall, represents “the start of D.C.’s rich queer history.”

“Covering 1965 to the present, the exhibition explores the history of Pride in D.C. in 10 distinct thematic eras,” according to the statement. “Large hero images around the perimeter will draw people into the exhibit to explore a timeline wall with historic quotes from Pride’s organizers. Each of the 10 eras are detailed in thematic cubes rich with history and visuals.”

The statement says Rainbow History Project is seeking community members to serve as Exhibit Monitors to assist in operating the display in four shifts each day and night to be compensated from between $80 and $100 per shift depending on the time of the shift.

Information about applying to become an exhibit monitor can be accessed at Rainbow History’s website.

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District of Columbia

Jeanine Pirro has mixed record on LGBTQ rights in N.Y.

Trump pick for interim U.S. Attorney for D.C. under fire

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Jeanine Pirro (Photo by Glynnis Jones/Bigstock)

Jeanine Pirro, the controversial Fox News host and commentator appointed by President Donald Trump on May 8 to become interim United States Attorney for the District of Columbia has a little-noticed record of partial support for gay rights while mostly opposing transgender rights.

She expressed support for gay rights during her tenure as a prosecutor and candidate for public office in New York State beginning in 2000, media reports show.

According to news media reports at that time in New York, Pirro actively supported the approval by the New York State Legislature of a hate crimes law that included sexual orientation as a protected class in 2000. Press reports show she also spoke out in support for anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people during her unsuccessful election campaign for State Attorney General in 2006.

Although she supported civil unions rather than legal marriage for same-sex couples, Pirro spoke out strongly against a proposed federal constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, press reports show. However, media reports also show she supported the federal Defense of Marriage Act passed by Congress, which defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

Reports show that in 2006 she acknowledged participating in both a Pride parade and a fundraising event organized by Log Cabin Republicans, the LGBTQ GOP group.

Other media reports show that Pirro called on the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to ban transgender women from competing in women’s sports

“Women are being condemned, disavowed, and erased by allowing transgender women to compete with biological women in sports,” she stated on one of her Fox News talk shows. “This is the ultimate elimination and subjugation of women in our society,” she stated on that show.

In his decision to appoint Pirro as Acting U.S. Attorney for D.C., which by law is a temporary position, Trump has not said whether he plans to nominate Pirro for the permanent D.C. U.S. Attorney position.

Trump’s decision to name Pirro as acting U.S. Attorney came after congressional Democrats as well as some Republicans made it clear they would not support Ed Martin, Trump’s earlier appointment as acting D.C. U.S. Attorney for the permanent U.S. Attorney position.

The Washington Post reports that congressional Democrats have raised strong concerns about Pirro’s ability to serve as D.C.’s U.S. Attorney based, among other things, on her controversial statements as a Fox News talk show host.

The Post reports that she was among the Republicans who disputed the 2020 presidential election results, noting she was named as one of the Fox News commentator defendants in a defamation lawsuit filed by a company producing voting machines that accused Pirro and others with making false statements that faulty voting machines played a role in Trump receiving fewer votes than he actually received when he lost to Joe Biden in the 2020 election.

Congressional Democrats are also raising questions about whether Pirro has sufficient experience to serve as U.S. Attorney based on her past role as three-term Westchester County, N.Y. District Attorney, the Post reports. The Democrats reportedly are claiming Pirro lacks experience as a prosecutor in federal cases, which the D.C. U.S. Attorney prosecutes as well as local D.C. cases.

Trump, in a social media post, called Pirro a “powerful crusader for victims of crime.” Several prominent Republican U.S. senators also expressed strong support for Pirro’s appointment. 

“Jeanine Pirro has had a long and storied career as a prosecutor, and she is a great choice by [Trump] to serve as U.S. Attorney for D.C.,” the Post quoted Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) as saying.   

Pirro served as a judge in Westchester County, which is a suburb of New York City, before being elected as the county’s district attorney in 1993. She held that position until 2005, when she announced her GOP candidacy for New York’s U.S. Senate seat held then by Democrat Hillary Clinton, which was up for election in 2006.

The Post and other media outlets report conservative Republican leaders pressured Pirro to drop out of the U.S. Senate race on grounds that her moderate positions on a number of issues, including her support for a woman’s right to choose an abortion, would alienate conservative voters.

After withdrawing her candidacy for the Senate, Pirro became a candidate for the New York State Attorney General’s position.

She won the GOP nomination for that position and emerged, according to political observers, as a true “moderate” Republican on issues including her support for LGBTQ rights protections in employment and LGBTQ-inclusive hate crimes laws. In November 2006 Pirro lost the election to Democrat Andrew Cuomo.

Among the issues that hurt her campaign, media reports show, was her former husband’s conviction in 2000 on federal conspiracy and tax evasion charges following his tenure as Trump’s real estate attorney.

He was sentenced to 29 years in prison but served just 11 years before Trump pardoned him at the end of the last year of Trump’s first term as president. According to media reports, Jeanine Pirro lobbied Trump to pardon her ex-husband.

Wikipedia reports that in 2013 Pirro interviewed on her talk show William Owens, an official with the anti-LGBTQ National Organization for Marriage, which opposed same-sex marriage. But the Wikipedia write-up doesn’t say whether Pirro expressed her own views on that subject during the interview.

However, Wikipedia reports that in 2021 Pirro attended Log Cabin Republicans’ Spirit of Lincoln Gala, the group’s largest annual fundraising event.

Andrew Minik, president of Log Cabin Republicans of D.C., said the LGBTQ GOP group strongly supports President Trump’s decision to appoint Pirro as interim U.S. Attorney for D.C.

“Judge Pirro is a longtime friend and ally of Log Cabin Republicans, a fierce advocate for law enforcement officers, and defender of the rule of law,” Minik told the Blade in a statement. “Her appointment marks a turning point in restoring order and ending the culture of leniency that has put D.C. residents at risk,” he said.  

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest national LGBTQ advocacy organization, considers Pirro’s appointment “a slap in the face of justice,”  according to Brandon Wolf, the group’s national press secretary.

“Given her insulting comments about transgender people, the people of D.C. cannot count on Pirro to protect the rights of all of our residents and visitors,” Wolf said in a statement to the Blade.

“As U.S. Attorney, she would be responsible for prosecuting hate crimes and civil rights violations but based on her time as a Fox News talking head, she can be expected to advance the administration’s anti-LGBTQ+ agenda, including non-enforcement of critical civil rights protections,” Wolf said.

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