Silicon Valley PRIDE Condemns Stereotyping of the LGBTQ+ Community
SAN JOSE, CA. Oct 25, 2024 – In response to recent allegations involving Omar Torres, Silicon Valley PRIDE and other LGBTQ+ non-profit organizations feel it is important to issue an official statement to address the broader implications for the LGBTQ+ community.
While Silicon Valley PRIDE does not take a position on the specifics of the allegations, the organization firmly stands against acts of sexual violence in any form and wants to be unequivocally clear that child sexual abuse/assault/exploitation, or any other criminal activity, has no place within or connection to the LGBTQ+ community. Incidents like this, regardless of the individuals involved, fuel harmful stereotypes and misrepresentations about the LGBTQ+ community as a whole.
As an organization dedicated to promoting equality, acceptance, and understanding, Silicon Valley PRIDE finds it crucial to dispel any unfounded beliefs that members of the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to engage in predatory acts toward minors or other forms of sexual misconduct. Such harmful stereotypes only undermine the progress made toward inclusivity and acceptance.
We condemn all forms of abuse/assault/exploitation and any association with such actions does not reflect the values of our community. Our mission remains to advocate for justice, equality, and the dignity of all people. We are committed to fighting against stereotyping narratives that target marginalized communities.
In light of the ongoing challenges faced by victims of sexual exploitation, we are committed to raising awareness and providing vital resources to support those affected. We encourage those who need these resources to contact the organizations noted below. For further inquiries, please contact, Nicole Altamirano (she/her), Chief Executive Officer of Silicon Valley PRIDE at info@svpride.com.
Board of Directors
Silicon Valley PRIDE
San Jose, CA
Nathan Svoboda, President
Qmunity Foundation
San Jose, CA
Ken Yeager, Executive Director
BAYMEC Community Foundation
San Jose, CA
organizations providing various services on a national or local level
Crisis Support
National Human Trafficking Hotline: A 24/7 resource for those in need of immediate help or information regarding human trafficking. http://www.humantraffickinghotline.org
Legal Assistance
Legal Aid Services: Provides free legal assistance to victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking. http://www.lsc.gov
Counseling & Mental Health Support
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): Offers support and resources for survivors of sexual violence. http://www.rainn.org
Hotlines for Immediate Help
National Domestic Violence Hotline: Provides support for individuals facing domestic violence, including those affected by sexual exploitation. http://www.thehotline.org
Youth Support Services
The LGBTQ Youth Space: Offers various local resources and contacts for LGBTQ Youth and others in the greater Silicon Valley area. https://youthspace.org/resources/
Other Services
County of Santa Clara Office of LGBTQ Affairs: Provides leadership and support for the well-being and longevity of LGBTQ communities in Santa Clara County through coordinated, integrated approaches. https://desj.santaclaracounty.gov/offices/office-lgbtq-affairs
County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services: Assists individuals in our community affected by mental illness and serious emotional disturbance https://bhsd.santaclaracounty.gov/home
