LGBTQ leaders react after a Minneapolis jury convicted Derek Chauvin of second-degree murder, third-degree murder & second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. Kierra Johnson, Executive Director, National LGBTQ Task Force stated, “The world today saw accountability for the murder of George Floyd. Not justice, but accountability. If only these same verdicts could apply to all the police officers we have watched walk free over the years after race-motivated killings, whether intentional or carried out with callous disregard for each precious life. We have & will continue to say their names. Feeling a mix of emotions, from relief to sadness to anger, we hold George Floyd’s family in our hearts & commit to continuing the work of dismantling racism & white supremacy, in his name & the names of so many others we have lost.” Sarah Kate Ellis GLAAD President & CEO concluded, “The verdicts convicting Derek Chauvin deliver some accountability for his actions. They now must lead us toward greater safety & trust, especially for Black people, queer people of color & transgender people & youth who are disproportionately at risk of harassment, discrimination & violence, including violence by police. The deaths of George Floyd, Daunte Wright, Breonna Taylor, Adam Toledo & far too many others must motivate urgent change to address racial bias & prevent deadly force. Every American from a vulnerable community has a right to demand these necessary changes by protest & the media must be free to cover these critically important social justice movements. Our hearts are with George Floyd’s family & all who grieve his loss throughout the traumatizing trial & beyond.”
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