Ohio Murder Shines National Spotlight on LGBT Violence

The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs is calling attention to the fatal shooting of Kendall L. Hampton, a gender-nonconforming person who had reportedly been involved in sex work.

The 26-year-old victim was discovered in the parking lot of a Cincinnati convenience store last Saturday, reported Fox 19. Hampton was pronounced dead later that night at the city's University Hospital. Police are currently searching for the gunman.

The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Projects, along with the Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization, is working to determine if gender identity or race were motivators in the crime. Apart from Hampton, the coalition has learned of the murders of eight people this year who identified as transgender or were gender-nonconforming.

According to a recent report by NCAVP, 87% of reported LGBT hate-murder victims in 2011 were people of color. The organization encourages those affected by violence to contact their nearest anti-violence program, which may be found on its website.

To contact police regarding Kendall Jackson, call (513) 352-3040.