You don’t know me, but you’ve probably heard of me. What you have heard are rumors, stories, stories repeated by others. People often prefer labels and gossip over facts because it’s easier than asking questions. But the truth doesn’t stay buried forever. It will eventually come forward.
Thank you to the Washington Blade and Lou Chibalo Jr. for writing multiple articles about this incident. But let me be clear: this issue is about retaliation, not stalking. Since I voiced my concerns during World Pride Month, several individuals associated with the Capital Pride Alliance have resigned or resigned. One of them was Ashley Smith. There is no clear explanation whether he resigned or whether he resigned under pressure.
What matters to me is that I chose to speak up when I thought I was being treated unfairly. Many people remain silent for fear of backlash and social repercussions. I decided not to remain silent. I am withholding many details for the trial, where the facts will be properly investigated. I have confidence in expressing myself.
D.C. law requires that a stalking prevention order be filed with two or more applicable incidents, with at least one incident occurring within 90 days before filing. Its timing requirements are important. The CPA intends to present a number of individuals, and I will address how those claims will meet the legal standards in court. I am aware of only a few of the individuals I have mentioned and will address any discrepancies in appropriate circumstances.
I do not accept the labels often used to describe me online. My position has been consistent from the beginning: “The truth will be revealed through the legal process.”
My concerns began during World Pride when I confided in June Crenshaw, a person I trusted. I believed I was talking to someone who would support me. Since then, my experience has been misleading and I consider it a betrayal.
This incident is not stalking but retaliation.
Crenshaw contributed opinion pieces to the Blade that reflected advocacy rather than neutral reporting. It suggested broader social implications and addressed them directly to me. It also framed the court’s decision in a way that implied risk, even though the order was limited and modified.
While a legal matter is ongoing, writing an opinion can influence public perception.
This article also questions my visibility, is framed in a negative way, and feels like it discourages my ability to respond publicly.
The article suggests that the court failed by amending the order to allow access to community spaces, hinting at danger simply because the outcome is not entirely consistent with the CPA’s position. I believe the court acted within its authority.
At this point, I feel like the CPA wants me removed from their space. That’s a tough call, given that CPA promotes pride, inclusion, and visibility in Washington, DC.
I continue to believe that accountability and clarity will come.
Truth is established by evidence, not repetition. I will continue to address these issues through the legal process, not through public speculation. I would also like to emphasize that my intention is not to escalate the dispute outside of appropriate legal channels, but rather to ensure that my concerns are documented and addressed in a structured environment. I understand that important distinctions are often blurred in public discussion. So I focus on the court process itself. I stand ready to respond to all allegations with evidence and clarity when the time comes, and I expect that process to provide a full and fair opportunity to examine the record. My position has been consistent throughout, and I will continue to rely on facts, not speculation, as we move forward on this issue. We also recognize that while litigation proceedings proceed in a careful and orderly manner based on evidence in court, misunderstandings may arise if information is shared in fragments. I will let the facts speak in court.
Darren Pasha I’m a DC-based LGBTQ advocate.
The post “A Case for Retaliation, Not Stalking” first appeared on Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News.
Source: Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News – www.washingtonblade.com
