NCAVP mourns the deaths of Glenser Soliman and An Vinh Nguyen, who were both killed earlier this year in the Houston, Texas area, however we are just now learning about their homicides. According to media reports, Glenser Soliman was found dead on February 25th, 2017 and An Vinh Nguyen was last seen on March 31st, 2017 and is presumed dead. Both are believed to have been lured to their deaths via dating or hook up apps by two cousins Brandon Alexander Lyons and Jerrett Jamal Allen.
We mourn the loss of Glenser Soliman and An Vinh Nguyen, who likely lost their lives to hook-up violence, a form of violence that we need to talk about more and address in our LGBTQ communities. Homophobia is a key factor the targeting of gay men for robbery and violence, and so far in 2017 we have seen an increase in pick-up homicides. As our communities move online we need awareness raising about this form of violence, affirming messages around sex, sexuality and safety, and safe spaces for our communities to meet and hook up.
We ask that people read and share AVP’s Online Dating and Hook-Up Safety Tips. And we ask that all LGBTQ people and allies work toward creating a culture where hooking up is destigmatized and we can support one another in safety planning and on the occasions where violence happens.
In memory of Glenser Soliman and An Vinh Nguyen.