Advocacy in Action: LGBTQ+ Community Victim & Witness Support Services | Kelly Burkhardt & Mikah Thomas

Since 2020, there has been an alarming nationwide increase (According to the Human Rights Campaign) reported toward transgender women of color and gender non-conforming people. In response to this increase, the office of Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, invited members of the community in 2022 to form an LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee to work with criminal justice partners to address shortcomings that historically have made queer Philadelphians both more vulnerable to violence and to over-policing and prosecution.  On this episode of Podcetera, we are joined by Kelly Burkhardt (she/her) and Mikah Thomas (he/they). Kelly serves as the LGBTQ+ Liaison and Victim Witness Coordinator for the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, bringing her expertise in trauma-informed care to her role. Mikah Thomas, a biracial trans man, dedicated parent, and community leader, collaborates with Kelly to ensure victims and families access essential care and services. Tune in to learn about their impactful work and the crucial importance of fostering trust and support within the LGBTQ+ community. For more information, visit: LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee: https://phillyda.org/news/dao-lgbtq-advisory-committee-informs-fair-equal-inclusive-criminal-justice-policies-practices/ Trans MasXConnect: https://www.instagram.com/transmasxconnect