DENVER — The Denver Police Department is investigating after a transgender woman was injured in an attack in Lower Downtown.
Amber Nicole, 23, says she was the victim of a hate crime that occurred outside the Tavern at Market and 20th streets early on April 28.
Nicole admits the incident is fuzzy, but says her friend.
“She saw me with my hands in front of me, trying to block punches from two men,” Nicole said.
The aftermath was captured in a mobile video.
Nicole was taken to the hospital with a broken jaw and concussion, together with injuries.
“I can’t my mouth open. My mouth is wired shut completely,” she said.
DPD said the investigation is active, but has not named any suspects in the case.
Nicole is experiencing paralysis on part of the right side of her face, and said doctors aren’t sure whether she’ll ever get that feeling back.
“Why would someone do this to another person? ” Nicole asked. “Why do people think this is OK to do? ”
“No mother wants to get that call,” said Nicole’s mother, Juls Martinez. “But I got that call. And to walk in there and see her the way she was… I’m surprised I held it together. ”
About one week after the attack, Nicole said the mental pain is worse than the physical.
“It’s sad. And I hate to know that this hasn’t just happened to me. This has happened many of my trans brothers and sisters,” she said. That’s the reason Nicole has chosen to go public with her attack, calling for change and approval.
“She doesn’t need anyone to get hurt,” said Kyleigh Potts, who says she & rsquo and is transgender;s famous Nicole for about five years.
“It’s about what’s going on out there, and what’s not going on out there — what ought to be addressed,” Potts said. “She is such a kind person that I don’t understand even why she was targeted for any reason other than the fact that she was different.”
DPD is asking for anyone with information from the event to contact the department.
Nicole is uninsured. A GoFundMe account was established to help cover her medical bills.
Potts has helped organize a benefit drag show for Nicole at Blush & Blu Bar on May 8 A Beautiful Soul. ” It’s open to the public and costs $10.
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