Help Mariah

Lopez, not Carey.



It's a pretty fucked up story.

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.

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.

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.