After Attack On 2 Trans Women In Jackson Heights, Allies Speak Up

JACKSON HEIGHTS, QUEENS — A pepper-spray attack on two transgender women in Jackson Heights the weekend of the WorldPride Parade has rattled peers and allies.

Community organizers Bianey Garcia and Norma Ureiro say they were working on a documentary on police harassment and violence against trans women early Saturday when a couple yelled slurs at them, accused them of promoting prostitution and pepper sprayed them.

"I'm upset because of what happened. As members of the trans community, we are not safe," Ureiro said in a statement. "When I told the police they threatened us, the police ignored us. We are in danger in the streets — it doesn't matter what you're wearing, you're in danger just for being trans."

Police arrested Elmhurst resident Paula Custodio, 24, on hate crime charges shortly after the attack, according to a spokesperson.

"The NYPD takes hate crime very seriously, and there is no place for hate or intolerance in New York City, or anywhere," the spokesperson said in a statement. "The NYPD finds this crime especially egregious as it occurred on the eve of the World Pride Celebration."

A transphobic man just pepper spray on my face in 82nd st Roosevelt Av, I'm at the Elmhurst hospital right now"

Transphobia is real
(Enough is enough)

Me arden los ojos!!!! #TransphobiaKills pic.twitter.com/Q3YoCeQJZH
— Bianey Garcia (@BianeyDlaO) June 29, 2019

Make the Road New York and LGBTQ advocacy groups joined Garcia and Ureiro for a rally Monday steps away from the scene of the attack by Roosevelt Avenue and 82nd Street, highlighting the prevalence of violence against transgender individuals — particularly trans women of color.

At least eleven transgender individuals have been killed so far in 2019, and at least 26 transgender individuals were killed last year, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

They also reiterated their demand that state lawmakers repeal a loitering law they say police use to target transgender people.

The NYPD recently changed its patrol guide to prohibit arrests based solely on factors like gender, gender representation or clothing, the Queens Eagle reported.

"A pepper-spray attack will not stop me and our members from continuing this struggle and creating visibility and raising awareness about the lives of trans women," said Garcia, an organizer for Make the Road New York.

The NYPD's Hate Crime Task Force is investigating the attack against Garcia and Ureiro.

#MRNY organizing now in Jackson Heights for TGNCIQ safety. Walking while trans is not a crime! pic.twitter.com/9UCtTioRIo
— Make the Road NY (@MaketheRoadNY) July 1, 2019

Here is some tips for being a good bystander. Thanks to @iHollaback for creating the original materials. It takes all of us to stop the violence against our Trans, GNC and non binary community members. #WalkingWhileTrans #StoneWallisNow pic.twitter.com/JcFp6do5v8
— Make the Road NY (@MaketheRoadNY) July 1, 2019

Happening now: @BianeyDlaO @MaketheRoadNY press conference on the transphobic attack she & a member experienced this weekend w/ @CabanForQueens pic.twitter.com/jihgqDJ3Xx
— DecrimNY (@DecrimNY) July 1, 2019