The Board of Directors and staff of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center express our deep concern and support for the Sikh community of metro Milwaukee at this moment of crisis.
Early reports from the scene suggest that the shooters’ motives may have been based on religious or racial/ethnic bias. As Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people and allies — members of a community which also is a frequent target of hate crimes and violence — we know that when acts of hate-based violence occur, the impact is felt across the entire community. We stand in solidarity with the Sikh community and all groups targeted by hate crimes and discrimination.
Regardless of the motives of the assailant(s), we send our thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families, and the entire Sikh community.
Milwaukee LGBT Community Center programs include: Project Q Youth Services, HIV Risk Reduction & Prevention Services, LGBT Counseling Programs, and the Anti-Violence Project, as well as personal financial counseling and coaching, an art gallery, an LGBT lending library with over 2,400 books, a cyber center and meeting spaces. In addition, the Center sponsors many networking events and activities.
Numerous community partners are located at the Center, including Milwaukee PrideFest, FORGE, PFLAG Milwaukee, Lesbian Alliance, Veterans for Diversity (formerly Vets Do Ask Do Tell), Wisconsin Voices, and Wisconsin Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf.