Dear Luis Berrios:

Yesterday, the institution that identifies itself as the “justice” system failed you. It did not provide you the justice and healing that you so rightfully deserve. You watched officers who not only assaulted you and your partner, but tried to steal your humanity. They almost succeeded too. They are trained very well to do just that. But you, Mr. Luis Berrios, are a fuckin’ warrior.

Justice failed the moment you had to endure a brutal beating both physically and verbally. Justice failed us all the moment the courts dismissed your allegations and your pleadings. Justice failed you long before you walked into that court room. But even then, your quest for justice was not diminished. You walked into that court room like the fuckin’ warrior you are.

So for that, I want to sincerely thank you. There is no medication to treat homophobia, violence and racism. There is no magic pill that can completely heal us. But this is what I do know – warriors like you remind us all that personal freedom and justice cannot be provided by a racist and oppressive system, it is something that we must provide to ourselves and each other.

Those of us who are at close proximity to institutionalized racism and oppression are most are often times most at risk for police violence. Your courage and fearlessness has provided healing for those of us who are still surviving the realities police violence. You have not just continued the conversation about police violence in Philadelphia but you have expanded the conversation to include LGBT Latinos.

Many of us do not feel protected by the police. Many of us do not even feel represented by those who claim to work with the police to advocate on our behalf. Many of us have not even had the language or platform to articulate these experiences. You have helped to create this platform. This is why fellow varones and other members from our community showed up to stand with you and by you every morning during your trial. This is why you are a fuckin’ warrior.

Lou, you have reminded us that our silence as a community equals more violence. You reminded us that our quest for social justice must be ruthless, raw and unapologetic. You, my dear, are a fuckin’ warrior.

Please know that your commitment to not remain silent has freed others from the shame of not having an opportunity and support to fight back. This my love, is the truest testament of social justice: us healing us.

The system failed you. It has failed all of us. We, however, we have not failed each other because we are warriors.

- Louie A. Ortiz- Fonseca

to read the details about about Luis Berrios’ lawsuit against the city of Philadelphia, read a recent PGN Article.