Statements

A Special Statement from BRAVO | Mark & Brent Rayburn-Velco

BRAVO is saddened by the devastating violence that took the life of Mark Rayburn-Velco and has left his husband, Brent Rayburn-Velco, with serious injuries. This violence and loss have shaken the Columbus LGBTQIA+ community. 

Our hearts are with everyone carrying the weight of this tragedy, including Mark & Brent’s family, friends, peers, and neighbors. We know many others are also struggling to process the pain and uncertainty surrounding these events. 

Incidents like this can have a profound emotional impact far beyond those immediately involved. LGBTQIA+ communities know what it means to rely on one another for affirmation, safety, and support during difficult times. This is why moments of loss can feel especially heavy across the broader community. 

June and Pride Month are times when many gather to celebrate and be visible. Pride is also a testament to the LGBTQIA+ community’s ability to be there for each other when it matters most. This tragic event reminds us how important it is to check in on one another, extend compassion, and let people know they are not alone when facing grief, trauma, or crisis. 

BRAVO’s confidential advocacy and support services are available to LGBTQIA+ people throughout Ohio who may need support, resources, or someone to talk to. 

We are keeping Brent and all those affected in our thoughts during this difficult time. 

Homicide Co-Survivor Crisis Resources 

Co-Victim Support (OVWA)  

• Homicide Co-Survivor HelpLine (OVWA) 1-866-275-6892 (call or text) 
• Understanding Crime Victim Rights (OVWA)  

Grief Support  

• OhioHealth Grief Loss & Healing Services 888-389-6231 
• Equitas Health Good Grief  
• Montgomery County Survivors of Homicide Support Group 937-225-5623 
• Franklin County Living After Loss Support Program 
• Reunion Mensual de Grupo Para Supervivientes de Homicidio 614-645-8901 (Spanish speaking support group for homicide survivors) 

BRAVO Helpline | (866) 862-7286  

• We may be able to help find additional resources for co-survivors or those navigating hate and bias violence  

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