NCAVP mourns the death of 56-year-old queer man, Bashar Kallabat in Birmingham, MI. According to local media reports, Bashar Kallabat was found dead in a Detroit hotel after allegedly meeting with a 22-year-old man from an unnamed dating app, February 11, 2020.
Bashar is remembered as an innovative hair stylist and entrepreneur. He was owner of a salon in Birmingham, MI and featured in national publications, such as Vogue. Family and friends remembered Bashar in local reports as “a mentor to many hairstylist… a good friend, and an amazing father.”
Business partner and friend, Shanon Neumann says, “He was magical. He was just a magical person, and his energy was just so uncanny.”
An unnamed 22-year-old suspect is currently in custody with the Detroit Police Department. Details forthcoming.
We know it can be hard to read these reports of violence against our communities. If you need support in these difficult times, you can always reach out to your local NCAVP member. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, you can reach our free bilngual national hotline at 212-714-1141 or report online for support.
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.