A trans man wearing a “Trans Lives Matter” sweatshirt was reportedly attacked inside an Old City 7-Eleven near 3rd and Market streets Sunday at 8:30 p.m. after he left OutFest, advertised as the world’s largest National Coming Out Day event.
The man’s two sisters told NBC10 that the outfit may have prompted the two attackers to target their 30-year-old brother. Surveillance footage obtained by the news station from the convenience store shows the man, who hasn’t been identified, being punched and arguing with his attackers.
“I’m very hurt that my brother is sitting very hurt with a broken jaw, eyes messed up and nobody helped him and I just want the people to be caught,” said one of the siblings, who spoke under the condition of anonymity.
Additional footage from inside the store shows the man being thrown to the ground. The sisters said he was kicked in the head several times.
“He just kept saying, ‘Because of my hoodie? Because of my hoodie, yo? Because of my hoodie?’” one sister said.
Authorities issued a statement saying “they are deeply concerned about the assault.” While they have been in contact with 7-Eleven, police have not been able to locate the victim of the attack and urge him to come forward, it reads.
“We are eager to continue our investigation of this incident, and we encourage the victim to come forward,” says the statement.
“We wholly condemn violence against members of the LGBTQ community, and are committed to providing service to the victim,” it adds.
The Philadelphia Police Department did not return PGN’s request for comment on whether the incident is being investigated as a hate crime.
FBI data indicates a trend of an increase in hate crimes against LGBTQ people. At least 19 trans people have been murdered so far this year. Most were women of color.
The man’s family members said they’re now focusing on keeping him from feeling defeated.
“There’s a purpose for everything, I’m sorry you’re going through all of this but there’s a purpose for everything and you’re going to get through it at the end,” one sister told NBC10.
“What hope do we have to be ourselves if we can’t be out here and be ourselves?” the other added. “We all have that question.”
Those with contact information for the victim of this crime are encouraged to contact detectives at 215-686-3093.