
CONTACTAbout UsCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2025 Equal Entertainment LLC.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
We need your help
Your support makes The Advocate's original LGBTQ+ reporting possible. Become a member today to help us continue this work.
Your support makes The Advocate's original LGBTQ+ reporting possible. Become a member today to help us continue this work.
Some 300 people gathered in Maryland Monday evening for a vigil in response to the brutal beating of Chrissy Lee Polis captured on video at a McDonald's last week.
Reports from the scene in Rosedale in Baltimore County indicate that the crowd of activists and politicians expressed an upbeat and unified mood in the face of continuing violence against transgender people. The video of the beating filmed by a McDonald's employee, who has since been fired, went viral on YouTube and, in the words of Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk to her legislative colleagues, brought "shame" to the state.
In the graphic video filmed April 18, two women can be seen attacking Polis while one patron and employee attempt to intervene and others observe and laugh. It is believed that the women, ages 18 and 14, attacked Polis, 22, when she tried to use the women's restroom at the restaurant.
Teonna Monae Brown faces first and second-degree assault charges. The identity of her younger accomplice, who was charged as a juvenile, has not been released. Prosecutors are looking into the possibility of hate-crime charges.
Polis, who received treatment at a hospital following the attack, did not attend the vigil, but her mother, Renee Carr, was on hand to express support for her daughter. The victim has called the attack a hate crime and said she will sue McDonald's and the employees who enabled the violence.
A bill that would have protected transgender Marylanders from discrimination in housing, employment, and credit, but not public accommodations such as restaurants and restrooms, died this year in the state senate after passing the house. Advocates said that the measure, although not fully inclusive, would have sent a strong message against antitransgender violence.
The vigil was organized by Trans-United, TransMaryland, Baltimore County
for Equality, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community
Center of Baltimore, and others.
Read reports from the scene by the Washington Blade and Metro Weekly.Â
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Watch Now: Pride Today
Latest Stories
Donald Trump threatens to revoke Rosie O'Donnell's citizenship — but he can't
July 12 2025 6:04 PM
Ahead of deadly Texas floods, so many warnings from climate scientists were missed
July 12 2025 7:00 AM
Louisiana Medicaid quietly stops reimbursing patients for gender-affirming care
July 11 2025 3:35 PM
Harvard seemingly caves to Trump, shuts down LGBTQ+ and women's center websites
July 11 2025 3:08 PM
11 lesbian & sapphic reality dating shows & where to watch them
July 11 2025 12:49 PM
Yes, Superman is an immigrant. He's also a gay icon.
July 11 2025 12:31 PM
15 best LGBTQ-friendly all-inclusive resorts for honeymoons
July 11 2025 12:29 PM
Trump's DOJ subpoenas doctors and medical clinics that care for transgender youth
July 11 2025 9:36 AM
True
After trans people, Trump now erases bisexual people from Stonewall National Monument
July 10 2025 10:45 PM
Black trans woman Dream Johnson killed in Washington, D.C.
July 10 2025 7:59 PM