Good Shepherd Services Stands in Solidarity with the Black Trans Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 15, 2020

Contact: Liz Hallgren, lhallgren@skdknick.com

Good Shepherd Services Stands in Solidarity with the Black Trans Community Amidst Senseless Killings, Emphasizes #AllBlackLivesMatter

New York, NY – Nearly 20 Black Trans women have been violently killed nationwide this year – including four during Pride month alone. Good Shepherd Services recognizes that #AllBlackLivesMatter – including #BlackTransLives. Today, Good Shepherd Services Executive Director, Michelle Yanche, released the following statement:

“These incredibly tragic losses are a stark reminder of the vulnerability Black Trans folks face in the hands of police and their fellow citizens, and a harrowing sign that the country and the LGBTQ community has not come close to protecting and supporting our Trans neighbors. As we reinvigorate our call to recognize that #BlackLivesMatter, it is incumbent upon us to remember that #AllBlackLivesMatter – including #BlackTransLives – and to embody this truth in our community, our programs, our activism, our workplaces, our neighborhoods, and our programs in order to enact real change. Good Shepherd mourns every single Black Trans life lost to racism, homophobia, transphobia, and white supremacy, and we pledge to work each and every day to embrace the intersectional values in our work and our lives that can begin to overcome this senseless violence.”

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About Good Shepherd Services:

Good Shepherd Services goes where children, youth, and families face the greatest challenges and provides resources that build on their inherent strengths to help them thrive. Good Shepherd operates over 80 programs, which help nearly 30,000 youth and family members in struggling neighborhoods throughout New York City. All programs are united by a common goal—to create opportunities that help our participants succeed at school, at home, and in their community.