The updated goal of $50,000 includes the minimum cost of retaining her lawyer, legal fees and expenses, and basic living accomodations.
Thank you everyone for your absolutely crucial support!
You can read more about Epona Rose's story below. ❤️
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8/21 Press Release
FREE EPONA ROSE
Email: freeeponarose@proton.me
Website: https://freeeponarose.org/
Trans Woman Arrested After Being Attacked in Flagstaff, AZ,
Initially Charged with Attempted Homicide
For Defending Herself
Coconino County Jail Furthers Transphobic Harassment & Mistreatment
Flagstaff, AZ — On the morning of August 11th, Epona Rose was attacked in downtown Kinłani/Flagstaff, Arizona by a group of three men while two or more watched. The men were drunk and sexually harassing her. The attack escalated into threats of rape, and then to physical violence, when they realized that Epona is transgender.
Epona defended herself bravely against this attack and did not call the police, but she was the only one arrested. Epona faces felony charges including aggravated assault. She was initially held on the men’s side of the Coconino County Jail in segregation with one hour a day out of her cell. She struggled to gain access to her prescribed medications. Political pressure seems to have improved her conditions; however, Epona is still unable to receive equitable treatment and has filed complaints of sexual harassment. Epona’s arraignment is August 28th and her bond is set for over $500,000. A team of national organizers and local support have mobilized and are fiercely working to overturn such an excessive amount and the fear mongering charges.
An initial arraignment on August 17th was vacated with no reason given by the courts. A rally was held with more than 25 people calling for Epona’s immediate release. A vigil was held outside of Coconino County Jail the previous evening, more than 40 people attended, sharing their stories and chanting “Who keeps up safe? We keep us safe!”
Epona shared this statement from jail: “I was charged as a man, as I am a woman of trans experience. I was initially booked into jail on charges of aggravated assault, as well as attempted homicide, second degree, unjustly. I was defending myself, my womanhood, against three men. While I’ve been in this facility I’ve been mistreated. I have been treated as a man. I have been asked fourteen times about my genitalia by staff. I have been laughed at and ridiculed. I have been put into isolation. Make no mistakes, the United States is now living in the Weimar Republic era. I have been fighting the way I can from the inside with what little power I have from the inside.”
Epona further stated, “I am not safe here, but I am holding on to hope, and I know that I will be free. I want to thank everybody who has shown support and is fighting for me on the outside. Thank you, loved ones, relatives, comrades. I look forward to seeing you. Thank you so much for the fight. Solidarity!”
The longer Epona is in jail, the much more at risk she is exposed to as a trans woman and abolitionist. We cannot let Epona be made an example out of by demanding the basic rights of genderqueer, third gender, Two Spirit, and/or trans people to exist!
Epona’s lawyer, Ryan Stevens of the Griffen & Stevens Law Firm in Flagstaff, explained, “Our priorities are clear: keep Epona safe; get her out; and present a complete defense to her charges in court. We are at the very beginning of what may be a long haul fighting for Epona and asserting her rights in court, including self-defense.”
Arraignment is scheduled for August 28th at 1pm; Epona’s supporters will be gathering at Coconino County Superior Court located at 200 N San Francisco st, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Epona’s supporters are fundraising for her legal fees and associated costs; please specify that your donation is for Epona. You can also use the “rose” emoji.
Support Epona’s legal defense and bail fund:
Paypal: @brokebackwolfpack
Venmo:
@brokebackwolfpack
Cashapp: $brokebackwolfpack
You can also contact the Coconino County Board of Supervisors and demand Epona is treated with dignity as a trans woman:
Phone: 928-679-7120
Toll Free: 877-679-7120 Emails: phorstman@coconino.az.gov, jvasquez@coconino.az.gov, mryan@coconino.az.gov, jbegay@coconino.az.gov, lfowler@coconino.az.gov
Contact Flagstaff City Council:
All council members:
council@flagstaffaz.gov
Mayor:
becky.daggett@flagstaffaz.gov
Phone: (928) 213-2065
#FreeEpona
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8/28 Update:
EPONA IS OUT; NOW DROP THE CHARGES
At the same time that supporters were beginning to rally outside the courthouse on 8/28 for Epona's arraignment, the court announced a drastic reduction in bail from $500,750 to $10,000.
While still an excessive amount, the reduction put bail in reach for the first time since Epona was arrested nearly three weeks earlier. Tucson Bail Fund, a "Black-led abolitionist revolving bail fund," was able to mobilize to pay it later that same day.
That same evening, Epona was released from Coconino County Detention Facility to a small crowd of cheering supporters, friends, and family.
The struggle, however, is far from over, and is going to require continued diligence and prayer.
Epona is required to stay in the state of so-called Arizona, show up for all probation check-in appointments and court dates, pay her lawyer, and pay an assortment of other legal expenses and fees, on top of providing herself with food, clothing, and shelter.
Let's continue showing up for our friend in tangible and proactive ways! Nobody should be punished for surviving an attack! Our next demand is for the court to drop all charges!
#FreeEponaRose #TransPeopleAreSacred
#WeKeepUsSafe
#DropTheCharges
