SRLP is deeply saddened and incensed by the atrocious murder of Jorge Steven López Mercado. We join the community in calls of action for justice and prompt resolution of this case  - and stand in solidarity in demanding better anti-violence education and prevention with other sister organizations such as the Anti-Violence Project of NYC and FIERCE.

The heinous murder of Jorge is a blow to everyone’s right to gender self-determination.  His killing not only hurts those close to Jorge, but also has repercussions in the whole LGBTQ community, creating fear and denying safety to those who are the most vulnerable in our society.   We believe it is important to recognize that the recently passed Mathew Sheppard and James Byrd Jr. hate crimes legislation may be used to try this case. As we wrote in our recent statement about the Act, we believe that hate crimes legislation does not prevent atrocities like Jorge’s death, but continues to promulgate the prison industrial complex while de-funding educational programs and anti-violence initiatives that can better serve and empower the Trans, Queer, Sex industry workers, LGB communities and members of the Puerto Rican community. Our communities need and deserve real solutions to hate crimes, solutions that support our communities to survive, heal, and thrive and that address and prevent the root causes of violence against us and our loved ones.  

If you or any of your friends are victims of discrimination or harassment please do not hesitate to contact us. We provide free legal services to transgender, intersex and gender nonconforming low-income people and people of color. We represent and advise clients in a variety of contexts. 

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The Sylvia Rivera Law Project works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine their gender identity and expression, regardless of income or race, and without facing harassment, discrimination, or violence. Click here for more information about SRLP’s know your rights trainings and other services.