NCAVP mourns the possible hate violence homicide of Deon L. Brown in Nashville, Tennessee

November 22, 2016 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the homicide of Deon L. Brown in Nashville, Tennessee. According to media reports, Deon Brown's body was found on Monday morning, November 14th, in the parking lot of a local trucking business in West Nashville. He had been stabbed to death. Friends of Deon have stated that he identified as a gay male, although at the time of his death he was reportedly dressed in feminine attire. Friends and family spoke out in the press, urging this to be investigated as a hate crime. There has been an outpouring of messages on social media in Brown's memory, many tagged with #JusticeForDeon.

According to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs' (NCAVP) most recent report, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and HIV-Affected Hate Violence in 2015, there were 24 reported hate violence homicides of LGBTQ people, a 20% increase from the 20 reported anti-LGBTQ homicides in 2014.

"We are deeply saddened by the homicide of Deon L. Brown and send our deepest condolences to his friends and family," said Emily Waters, Senior Manager of National Research and Policy at the New York City Anti-Violence Project. "For many in LGBTQ communities and communities of color, Deon's death represents their greatest fears and is another reminder that these communities are gravely impacted by violence. Now, possibly more than ever, we have to take action against racism, homophobia and transphobia and work towards keeping everyone in our communities safe from violence."

NCAVP is a resource for anyone who experiences violence. For more information, or to locate an anti-violence program in your area, please contact us at info@ncavp.org or visit us online. Join NCAVP in our efforts to prevent and respond to LGBTQ and HIV-affected violence. To learn more about our national advocacy and receive technical assistance or support, contact us at info@ncavp.org.\

If you are a member of the media, please contact:

Sue Yacka, New York City Anti-Violence Project: syacka@avp.org or 212-714-1184

NCAVP works to prevent, respond to, and end all forms of violence against and within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and HIV-affected communities. NCAVP is a national coalition of local member programs and affiliate organizations who create systemic and social change. NCAVP is a program of the New York City Anti-Violence Project.