Through the Looking-Glass of Disposable Justice: The Politics of Intersectionality and Policing Violence Against LGBTQ Citizens of Color

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Abstract

Despite increased awareness of the struggles of the LGBTQ community, the ongoing epidemic of violence enacted against sexual and gender minorities is still largely silent, particularly for gender nonconforming people of color. This paper will examine the various ways in which the intersections of race, class, sexuality, and/or gender identity can influence the prioritization and treatment of cases involving violence directed at members of the LGBTQ community. Drawing on local and national media coverage, several notable cases of anti-LGBTQ violence that have occurred in recent years will be profiled and the nature of both community and law enforcement conduct in response to these cases will be analyzed and discussed.

Author

• Danielle Shields, Rutgers University