Pride Month celebrations and protests : Northwest PA LGBTQ+ Community Mourns Teen Killing

By | July 8, 2024

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Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. LGBTQ+ support groups northwest PA
2. Transgender teen justice northwest PA

The Shenango Valley LGBTQIA+ Alliance faced a tragic start to Pride Month when 14-year-old transgender resident Pauly A. Likens Jr. was killed and dismembered in Sharon, Pennsylvania. The alliance, which recently secured its own office space after years of running support groups, is rallying support for Pauly’s family. The accused, DaShawn Watkins, allegedly met Pauly through the Grindr app. The community is coming together, with LGBTQ+ groups in Erie and Pittsburgh offering solidarity. A candlelight vigil is planned to honor Pauly. The devastating incident has highlighted the importance of advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights in Mercer County.

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1. LGBTQ+ community in northwest PA rallies for justice after transgender teen’s death
2. Support and solidarity for LGBTQ+ community in northwest PA following tragic loss of transgender teen

The recent tragic incident in Sharon, Pennsylvania, involving the killing and dismemberment of 14-year-old transgender female Pauly A. Likens Jr. has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond. The Shenango Valley LGBTQIA+ Alliance, which had just established its own office space at the start of Pride Month, is now rallying support for Pauly’s family and friends as they seek justice for the victim.

**Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Community**

The Shenango Valley LGBTQIA+ Alliance, founded three years ago, had been working tirelessly to advocate for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning and queer community in Mercer County. The alliance’s president, Pam Ladner, expressed deep sadness and shock at Pauly’s death, emphasizing the urgent need for continued advocacy and support in the wake of such a tragic loss.

**Charges and Investigation**

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Pennsylvania State Police have charged a 29-year-old Sharon man, DaShawn Watkins, with first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, aggravated assault, and tampering with evidence in connection with Pauly’s death. According to authorities, Watkins allegedly met Pauly through the Grindr app, a popular LGBTQ dating platform. The investigation into Pauly’s disappearance and subsequent murder uncovered disturbing details, including the dismemberment of the victim’s remains.

**Community Support and Solidarity**

In response to Pauly’s death, the Shenango Valley LGBTQIA+ Alliance has received an outpouring of support from LGBTQ+ organizations in Erie and Pittsburgh, underscoring the importance of community solidarity in times of tragedy. The alliance is organizing a candlelight vigil to honor Pauly and ensure that her memory is not forgotten.

**Calls for Justice**

As the investigation into Pauly’s death continues, the community is demanding justice for the young victim. The heartbreaking nature of the crime has prompted a GoFundMe campaign to support Pauly’s family, which has already raised significant funds. The alliance is committed to standing behind Pauly’s family and friends as they navigate this difficult time.

**Reflections and Remembrance**

As the community grapples with the loss of Pauly, Pam Ladner of the Shenango Valley LGBTQIA+ Alliance reflects on the impact of the tragedy and the ongoing need for advocacy and support for the LGBTQ+ community. The alliance’s efforts to create a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ individuals in Mercer County have taken on renewed significance in the wake of Pauly’s death.

In conclusion, the tragic death of Pauly A. Likens Jr. serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of community support and advocacy in creating a more inclusive and accepting society. The Shenango Valley LGBTQIA+ Alliance remains committed to honoring Pauly’s memory and seeking justice for the victim.