Avary Palmer, a young, black trans man, has released a heart-wrenching video about being raped by his friend, a United States Marshal. In the video, Avary explains that he had been taken out by his friend to celebrate his 21st birthday and that something had been slipped into his drink. He describes being driven to a field where he lost consciousness due to having a seizure. He woke with blood coming out of his mouth while still being raped.
Avary made the very brave choice of telling this story in order to gain justice. He let out a heartfelt plea "something has got to change." He continued to empathize saying, "I know this happens to millions of people.", and noted that no one ever spoke because those that "inflict pain" are "above".
Avary wanted to make sure that this story encouraged to people to speak out, draw awareness to trans sexual abuse, and keep people accountable for their actions.
Avary had been admitted to the hospital for his seizures and is set to be released.
A GoFundMe has been set up with a goal of 10,000. The goal has been surpassed by two thousand. Recently, Avary made a post on Instagram describing that he he is no longer staying at his home due to the suspect knowing where he lives. The case is still undergoing investigation.
Avary is currently giving out updates of his condition via his Instagram: @palmermusic.
We at Gaye Magazine, are wishing Avary a speedy recovery during this difficult time.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, there are some LGBTQ-friendly resources listed below:
National Sexual Assault Hotline – can also refer you to a local rape crisis center
1-800-656-HOPE (4673) 24/7 or
Online Counseling at https://ohl.rainn.org/online/
Love is Respect Hotline
1-866-331-99474 (24/7) or Text “loveis” 22522
The Anti-Violence Project– serves people who are LGBTQ
Hotline 212-714-1124 Bilingual 24/7
GLBT National Help Center
Hotline 1800-246-PRIDE (1-800-246-7743) or
Online Chat at http://www.volunteerlogin.org/chat/
Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project Hotline
1-800-832-1901
The Network La Red– serves LGBTQ, poly, and kink/BDSM survivors of abuse; bilingual
Hotline - 617-742-4911
Northwest Network– serves LGBT survivors of abuse; can provide local referrals
Hotline– 206-568-7777