Last week, GLAAD shared with you some of the ways in which you could stand in solidarity with the family of Michael Brown and the people of Ferguson, Missouri. As the story continues to unfold, it brings to light instances of violence and harassment experienced by people of color, as well those who are LGBT, all around the country.
Thousands have signed the Color of Change petition, calling on federal and city officials to rigorously investigate, prosecute, and fire all officers involved in Michael's shooting and cover up. By signing, your signature will be added to a letter sent to the US Department of Justice and local Ferguson law enforcement officials.
Reconciling Ministries Network, the United Methodist LGBT advocacy organization, sent leaders to Ferguson to talk to locals and share the stories from the community. The Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey is spending time in Ferguson and recounting her visit on the Reconciling Ministries Network blog. Click through to hear first-person accounts of residents, faith leaders, and protestors.
The unfolding story in Ferguson has not only been about Ferguson, but about the whole country. In New York City, residents are gathering to protest the choking death of Eric Garner by New York City police. Michael Brown's family will join New York City protesters in Long Island against police brutality.
And just this week, advocates gathered to remember the one year anniversary of the brutal murder of Islan Nettles. The Trans Women of Color Collective of Greater New York led a Call to Action this past Monday at Jackie Robinson Park in Harlem to remember Islan and to call for action. Transgender women live under the constant threat of violence and discrimination. There are hundreds of videos online of transgender women fighting and being taunted for being who they are and five trans women have been murdered in the last 42 days.
GLAAD continues to call for justice in Ferguson, in New York, and for people around the country. If you have an action to share, or want to share your story with GLAAD, do it here.