1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

A trans scientist named Jey McCreight was beaten nearly to death in Chicago on April 29th. A stranger called his name, punched him repeatedly in the head and right eye, cut him with a knife, and attempted to strangle him — all while using trans slurs. McCreight required surgery and a titanium mesh implant to save his eye. This is what anti-trans legislation and rhetoric produce: real violence against real people. McCreight had just launched a science education initiative called Beyond X & Y, been profiled in local news, and flyered queer neighborhoods days before the attack. He was targeted because he was visible. The Chicago Police Department has confirmed the investigation is ongoing, but visibility without accountability is not enough. I want you to publicly call for this to be investigated and prosecuted as a hate crime, and to stop supporting policies that paint trans people as threats. Every anti-trans bill that passes sends a message to people like McCreight's attacker that this community is a legitimate target.