The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the death of a gay man, Milton Medina Morales on Feb. 3, 2013 just outside of Mayagüez, Pueto Rico.
El Nuevo DÃa and the Washington Blade are reporting that Soto Vélez has confessed to Morales’ killing.
Media sources state that Morales was attacked with a machete and that his body was found partially burned. Given the alarming trend of targeted homicides of LGBTQ people in Puerto Rico, NCAVP is very concerned about violence against LGBTQ people in Puerto Rico.
NCAVP has currently documented 31 homicides of LGBTQ people in Puerto Rico the past 10 years. NCAVP’s most recent report, Hate Violence Against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and HIV-Affected Communities in the United States in 2011, documented 30 anti-LGBTQH homicides in 2011 alone, including 6 homicides in Puerto Rico. This is an 11% increase from the 27 homicide victims in 2010, and the highest yearly total ever recorded by the coalition. Further, in 2010 the New York City Anti-Violence Project joined a coalition of organizations in New York to release a joint report on hate violence in Puerto Rico.
NCAVP is working with Pedro Julio Serrano, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), and Puerto Rico Para Todos to respond to this homicide. NCAVP will continue to monitor this death and provide advocacy and support to LGBTQ anti-violence efforts in Puerto Rico.
NCAVP is a resource for anyone who experiences violence. For more information, or to locate an anti-violence program in your area, please contact us at info@ncavp.org or visit us online. Join NCAVP in our efforts to prevent and respond to LGBTQH violence. To learn more about our national advocacy and receive technical assistance or support, contact us at info@ncavp.org.
If you are a member of the media, please contact: Sue Yacka, syacka@avp.org or (212)714-1184.
NCAVP works to prevent, respond to end all forms of violence against and within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and HIV-affected (LGBTQH) communities. NCAVP is a national coalition of local member programs, affiliate organizations and individuals who create systemic and social change. We strive to increase power, safety and resources through data analysis, policy advocacy, education and technical assistance. NCAVP is a program of the New York City Anti-Violence Project