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Serving as a Catalyst for Social Change on Behalf of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Communities since 1982 |
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Open Letter to Journal Sentinel As members and allies of Milwaukee's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, we extend our condolences to the partner, family, and friends of Lodewikus "Vic" Milford who was murdered this past weekend in Walker's Point. Milwaukee mourns the loss of his talent and character. Milford was a MillerCoors executive from South Africa, and he was also a gay man. Crime of all types hurts a city like ours, but violent crime has a particularly devastating effect on vulnerable populations, including Milwaukee's LGBT community. Murder makes everyone in Milwaukee vulnerable to fear, reduces our sense of safety, and changes our behavior in a variety of ways, ranging from subtle to substantial. Walker's Point, unfortunately, has a history of violence and crime against visitors and residents, many of whom are members of the LGBT community. As the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article on Tuesday, January 29, points out, residents and visitors to the Walker's Point neighborhood report poor lighting, nuisance properties, vehicle break-ins, and slow police response times as problems. One year ago three women were injured outside a Walker's Point bar (at the same corner of S. 2nd and W. Walker Streets where Milford was murdered) in what appears to be a gay hate-related crime. These three women were hit by a car, driven by a man yelling anti-lesbian slurs. Crime in Milwaukee represents a private crisis with a steep public cost. It is a crisis for Mr. Milford's family and friends. There is an enormous cost to freedom for us all. We thank the Milwaukee Police department for increasing security in Walker’s Point and their quick response in bringing suspects into custody. We offer ourselves as resources as we encourage the media to explore the important issues facing Milwaukee's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. Sincerely,
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