Andy is a queer-identified 20 year old West Philly resident, environmental activist, and volunteer at LAVA community center.
On August 23rd Andy was arrested while attending a demonstration in solidarity with those protesting in Ferguson, MO following the murder of Michael Brown. While walking on the sidewalk during the protest, he was tackled to the ground and kicked by multiple officers, arrested, and non-consensually brought to the hospital for injuries that the police had inflicted. Because the police took away the bandages he had been given in the ER, he had to take care of his injuries on his own, while in jail. He has since been slapped with a large emergency room bill. He was held for around 28 hours with little food or water, and was subject to intimidation and threats of multiple felony charges and federal involvement. Instances like this are not unusual. In fact, these circumstances – violent arrests, legal threats, withholding medical treatment and intimidation – are common in suppression of dissent against police brutality.
Andy now faces six misdemeanor charges, for which the DA’s office has already demanded at least $1,500 in damage.
In addition, the publication of Andy’s legal name and residence by local media outed him as transgender to the community, violating his privacy and potentially putting his safety at risk.
We have been making every effort to fundraise for Andy and have already raised some money. However, we still have a large amount left to raise. Please help us out to whatever extent you are able! If you would prefer to mail a check, please contact us for a mailing address. Thank you!
