Statements

OFFICIAL STATEMENT
Rest in Power, Colin Jennings.
March 4, 2024

In February, Colin Jennings, a queer Black man, was experiencing a serious mental health crisis that put him and others in danger. The Columbus Police were called to the scene. Within minutes of arriving, they shot Colin multiple times and killed him.

From this senseless tragedy, Colin’s mother, Yolanda, wants people to know that Colin deserved proper mental health care. He deserved empathy and dignity. He deserved de-escalation during a crisis. Colin should be alive today.

Racism is a public health crisis. Black Americans are twice as likely to be shot and killed by police officers. And the failure of the state’s systems to provide support for people in crisis must change.

Send a letter to Mayor Ginther and his office. Urge them to fully fund and support the Columbus Safety Collective initiative to create a non-police mental health response unit. Send your letter here. 

To Colin Jennings’ family and loved ones, we extend our deepest sympathies. Rest in Power, Colin.

In solidarity, 

BRAVO

BRAVO Concurs with HRC Emergency Declaration | June 9, 2023

This Tuesday, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) declared, for the first time ever, a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans. The unprecedented rise in anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-transgender legislation, combined with the sharp rise in anti-LGBTQ+ hate violence, compelled the HRC to release its statement.

BRAVO echoes the sentiments shared by the HRC in their declaration, acknowledging with deep concern, grief, and sadness that anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-trans violence and discrimination are at an all-time high. The threat to LGBTQ+ and trans individuals is concrete and frightening.

We acknowledge that those who exist at the intersections of various marginalized identities are facing some of the worst threats of violence right now. Transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive people of color are experiencing transphobia and racism on social and legislative levels, and the impact to these communities’ health and safety is severe.

Our community is plagued by violence and the fear of violence. Being and feeling unsafe takes a serious emotional and mental toll. It impacts how we show up and navigate the world. It affects our mental and physical health. Living in an environment where we are unable to safely be our authentic selves is devastating.

Hate and bias violence do not look one specific way. Existing in a heightened state of fear for one’s physical safety or being targeted by discriminatory legislation are both forms of violence. Emotional and psychological violence cause long-term harm, and no one deserves violence.

BRAVO is here for members of the Ohio LGBTQ+ community, especially trans folx who have survived or are currently encountering violence. Equitas Health continues to work diligently to provide social, medical, mental health, and advocacy services to the LGBTQ+ community, and to fight against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.

The Human Rights Campaign has developed resources to assist LGBTQ+ individuals in feeling safer, including a downloadable guidebook. For Ohio-specific resources, please be aware of the BRAVO helpline. BRAVO assists LGBTQ+ survivors of hate and bias violence, sexual violence, and relationship violence. Please also note Lambda Legal’s helpdesk tool, which can assist with LGBTQ+ legal advice.

We stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ and trans community. We see you.

Seeking justice, love, and freedom.

In solidarity,

BRAVO