OutFront Minnesota extends our deepest condolences to the Castile and Reynolds families and friends. We know that thoughts and prayers are not enough — we must take action to change the racist police practices that impact communities of color in the Twin Cities every day. This was an act of violence against Philando Castile as well as Diamond Reynolds, her daughter, and their loved ones. There is a vigil tonight at JJ Hill Montessori, the school where Philando Castile worked. Come to 998 Selby Ave, St. Paul at 5:30 PM to honor Philando's life.

We urge members of our LGBTQ communities, particularly those who are white, to reflect on the ways that racial injustice and police brutality are queer issues. Many members of our communities are people of color, and liberation is not possible unless we unite against oppressive systems.

We echo the demands for justice that have been put forth by the Castile/Reynolds families as well as Black Lives Matter St. Paul, Black Lives Matter Minneapolis, Neighborhoods Organizing for Change, and NAACP St. Paul Chapter. We ask our members to do so as well. OutFront amplifies the work of these community organizations that have long histories of leading the fight against systemic and institutionalized racism.

All LGBTQ people and allies must raise their voices to demand a change to the institutions that continue to target, dehumanize, and murder Black people, both straight and queer. We encourage all who are able to attend the vigil tonight and to look for upcoming opportunities to take action for racial justice.