New York City Anti-Violence Project

In 1980, the New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP) was born in the streets of Chelsea, created by community activists in response to a series of brutal attacks against gay men. From the start, AVP took to the streets, pushed back on the police, and demanded safety and justice for our community at a time when few believed it was our right. 

AVP empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected communities and allies to end all forms of violence through organizing and education, and supports survivors through counseling and advocacy. AVP envisions a world in which all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected people are safe, respected, and live free from violence.

Today, AVP’s work is more critical than ever. The national climate has become increasingly hostile and dangerous for LGBTQ people and in particular, transgender, gender nonconforming and non-binary people (TGNCNB) people of color. Over 500 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced across the country. Twenty-nine states have passed or are considering passing laws banning care for transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) youth. AVP’s core work addresses the prevention of violence and prioritizes those in our community most marginalized and impacted including QTBIPOC, TGNCNB, immigrants and low-income people, and people living with HIV.