This post remains published for posterity.
The In Memoriam Page is the complete listing.
NCAVP mourns the death of Anthony Torres, also known as Bubbles, who was fatally shot on the sidewalk in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco on September 10, 2017. According to media reports, little is known about the motive of the shooting, and police are not currently investigating it as a hate crime.
We mourn the loss of Anthony Torres, and send love and care to Bubbles’s friends and loved ones. Many have remembered Bubbles fondly as an activist, artist, performer, and a vibrant member of a diverse and passionate music community. “We know from patterns of violence against femme/female-presenting people, especially those queering up gender, that they are a target, as transgender women face violence at excruciatingly high rates,” said Pablo Espinoza-Schaudel, of NCAVP local member organization Community United Against Violence (CUAV).
“We want to reiterate to people that safety buddies are always a good idea, especially out on the streets and at parties,” said Espinoza-Schaudel. “Even when you are the entertainer/performer/DJ. Checking in with friends, asking for help getting home or company so you are not alone on the street. Having a fully-charged cell phone, letting friends or a roommate know when you are coming home.”
Though we ask our allies and community members to pledge #IWillNotStandBy when witnessing violence on public transportation or on the street, we also know that it can be very dangerous to intervene, and that every incident of violence is different. Never put your own safety at risk, and be sure to assess the situation before intervening. Visit #IWillNotStandBy to learn tips on bystander intervention.
In memory of Bubbles, also known as Anthony Torres.
If you are in the San Francisco area, CUAV is available as a resource to support you. Call (415) 333-HELP or visit www.cuav.org for more information.
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.