HOUSTON GLBT COMMUNITY CENTER CONDEMNS ACT OF VIOLENCE AGAINST MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY
June 23, 2010—The board of directors of the Houston GLBT Community Center announced today that it condemns an assault against a member of local gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community committed on Tuesday.
On June 22, at 1:40 p.m., Lance Reyna, a transgender man, was attacked at knifepoint on the campus of Houston Community College. Reyna was attacked in a restroom by a male who said “Hey, queer!” in a falsetto voice and put a knife to his throat. The attacker then told Reyna to hand over his valuables and began beating Reyna. Once Reyna was on the ground, the attacker kicked him in the head.
“The Center condemns this attack against a member of our community,” Houston GLBT Community Center Center president Tim Brookover said today. “We call on anyone with knowledge of this crime to contact law-enforcement authorities or call Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713.222.TIPS.”
As a result of the attack, Reyna suffered a concussion and was rushed to a hospital emergency room. He has since been released. The Transgender Foundation of America Transgender Center is collecting funds to offset Reyna’s medical expenses. Individuals wishing to make a donation may do so at the Transgender Center (604 Pacific) or call the helpline, 713.520.8586. Donations may also be made via Paypal at the TFA website, www.tgctr.org.
Both Houston Police Department and HCC Police officers took statements from Reyna and from witnesses. Police identified the attacker as an African American male with a shaved head. Security cameras did not get a clear image of the attacker. Reyna’s credit cards were used twice by an unauthorized person since the attack.
The Houston GLBT Community Center is home base for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their allies in the metropolitan area and southeast Texas.
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