Statement on Ed Buck from Stonewall Democratic Club
Statement on the Arrest of Ed Buck
September 18, 2019
Once again we are horrified by the news of an overdose at Ed Buck’s apartment, who was apparently undeterred by the tragic deaths of Gemmel Moore and Timothy Dean. As alleged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney, Buck lures vulnerable men to his home “baiting them with drugs, money, and shelter” and then - for the purpose of sexual gratification - “personally administers dangerously large doses of narcotics.” This type of predatory conduct is shocking, yet sadly much too common with some members of the LGBTQ community.
The Stonewall Democratic Club applauds the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s office for their diligence and for bringing criminal charges against Ed Buck. We understand that “innocent until proven guilty” is a lynchpin of our justice system but so is “no one is above the law,” no matter how wealthy or well connected. We hope to see justice for Mr. Moore, Mr. Dean and their families, as well as for this most recent victim who thankfully is alive to tell his story.
Stonewall President Lester Aponte stated “From the beginning, Stonewall has condemned Mr. Buck’s conduct and called for a full investigation of the tragic deaths of Mr. Moore and Mr. Dean. We have joined the LGBTQ community and the people of West Hollywood in calling on authorities to protect the community and prevent further tragedies. We will be watching closely and demanding that justice is done.”
Drug addiction and homelessness disproportionately affect LGBTQ youth, particularly young people of color. Vulnerable people need to be supported, not used. If you, or someone you know, needs help dealing with drug addiction and/or homelessness, there are resources available, including:
SoCal Club
8601 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90003
323-905-5675
Bienestar Human Services
5326 E. Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90022
(866) 590-6411
https://www.bienestar.org/who-we-are/
Los Angeles LGBT Center
McDonald/Wright Building
1625 N. Schrader Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028-6213
323-993-7400
The Hollywood Homeless Youth Partnership
4650 Sunset Blvd., MS#2
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone: (323) 361-3273
Sex Workers Outreach Project LA
Instagram: SwopLA
Email: [email protected]
Stonewall encourages our community to support these organizations, and others, that serve our most vulnerable. Getting our youth off the street and helping those who struggle with addiction are vital to the overall health of our community.