the Coup

Mariah Lopez

Update: a judge has ordered NYC’s children’s services to cover all costs associated with sexual reassignment surgery for Mariah Lopez, a youth previously in their care.

Mariah Lopez is represented by the Legal Aid Society’s Luis Sartori and Kimberly Fortey. Press may call 212 577 3300.

Learn more about Mariah’s case and respond to the NY Post’s crappy and disrespectful artilce about it. Read a PDF of the judge’s decision or SLRP’s brief.

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Previously, we setup a quick website to support Mariah Lopez and raise money for her bail. She’s out of prison and the site has been taken down, but you can read more about her story below.

You can also find related information at FIERCE!, Sylvia Rivera Law Project, or Amnesty.

Profiled and Arrested

Mariah Lopez, a young transgender woman of color and community activist was arrested in New York City’s 6th precinct around June 17, 2006. We believe she was unlawfully profiled by police, like many transgender women of color. Mariah suffered terrible injuries during her arrest, including a fractured nose and swollen eye. While in custody she was arrested again on additional charges.

The Cost of High Bail

After being held in Riker’s Island, the city jail, she appeared in court with more injuries. Her friends and legal supporters saw that her eye was filled with blood, her face was cut and swollen, a tooth was broken, and one arm was in a sling. Despite her injuries and strong community ties, the judge imposed a high bail, ensuring that she would continue to be held at Riker’s.

Safety at Riker’s

As a transgender woman, Mariah cannot be safely housed in Riker’s Island. Mariah was locked in solitary confinement for 23 hours per day, where she still suffered constant strip-searches at the hands of male guards and was harassed by both guards and inmates. Most recently, on July 20, 2006, she was assaulted by guards because she would not take off her bra. Her medical needs were ignored or received inadequate attention. Mariah was driven to attempt suicide during her confinement because of these severe emotional and physical abuses.

Finally, after 40 days, Mariah was released on one case. However, Mariah still faces charges related to the second arrest. We are concerned that the judge may impose unreasonable bail again, sending her back to the abuse at Riker’s.

Mariah’s Community

Despite her young age, Mariah has an extensive history of community involvement. She is closely affiliated with Amnesty International, she was Sylvia Rivera’s gay child, she has participated in community outreach and education for community-based organizations such as the Sylvia Rivera Law Project and FIERCE!. She has brought several successful court cases for the rights of transgender people, such as Doe v. Bell and a family court decision that mandated the Office of Child and Family Services to pay for her sex reassignment surgery. Targeted by discrimination and violence many times in her life, Mariah has worked tirelessly to promote the rights of our community.

Read more…

• FIERCE!
• Sylvia Rivera Law Project
• Amnesty International & Mariah