Jennifer Laude had lived a life of courage and strength embracing her gender identity as a Woman of Transgender experience. Last Oct 11, 2014, Jennifer was found dead at 11:45PM in a motel room severely beaten before being killed. The autopsy report revealed that she died from “asphyxia by drowning” and that the transgender woman’s body showed contusions and blood clots on the scalp, chest, arms and legs. Police investigators reported that she had cuts and bruising on her head and neck, including a cut on her tongue, bruising around her eyes and cheekbones, and abrasions on her left forearm and right leg. Furthermore, police described the killing as a “crime of hatred,” when the suspect, US Marine Pvt. 1st Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, “discovered that his sex partner was a gay (sic).”
A death perpetuated by hate. Hate perpetuated by Transphobia. Transphobia perpetuated by a myriad of issues, including but not limited to ignorance, economic situation, prejudice, and lack of respect.
A senseless ending of a beautiful life. ..
Even more disturbing is the reality that Transgender people lived in. Facing discrimination, prejudice and violence, Transpinays had to go through life risking their lives.
QCPC prides itself as a body that upholds the rights and celebrate the lives of LGBT people. As a steward of human dignity, We envision Quezon City as the most open and welcoming city that protects and promote the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons by promoting cultural, economic, environmental, educational and spiritual events without prejudice and discrimination.
QCPC’s unwavering efforts on education regarding LGBT concepts and issues hopes to combat ignorance and prejudice. Our livelihood programs targeted to LGBT people hopes to alleviate economic gap and lack of access to employment. Lastly, the recently passed Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Bill in Quezon City aims to uphold the individuality and lives of LGBT people.
With QCPC and everyone’s effort we truly hope to live a hate free society that values human dignity and human life. There will be no other Jennifer Laude, no other LGBT persons, Not in Quezon City, not in my beloved country.
ABOUT QCPC
Quezon City Pride Council (QCPC) was constituted to oversee the integration of all city programs and projects for the LGBTs (lesbian, gays, bisexual, and transgender) community. QCPC, created by Mayor Herbert Bautista thru an office order, was formally launched March 25, 2013 to highlight the city government’s continuing support for the implementation and enforcement of gender-based policies, programs and activities.The QC Pride Council is a pioneering initiative of the QC local government and the first of its kind in the country. Learn More.
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