As a member of Milwaukee’s gay community, I would like to give my perspective on the murder of Lodewikus "Vic" Milford last week in Walker’s Point. Milford was a MillerCoors executive from South Africa, and like me, he was also a gay man.
I keep wondering whether his murder could be a gay hate crime, rather than random gang violence?
The reason I pose this question is that one year ago, three women were injured outside a Walker’s Point bar (at the same corner of South Second and West Walker Streets where Milford was murdered) in what appears to be a gay hate-related crime. These three women were hit by a car driven by a man yelling anti-lesbian slurs.
I am happy to hear the Milwaukee Police department is increasing security in Walker’s Point and their quick response in bringing suspects into custody. Crime in Milwaukee represents a private crisis with a steep public cost. It is a crisis for Mr. Milford’s family and friends. There is an enormous cost to freedom for us all.
Residents and visitors to the Walker’s Point neighborhood report poor lighting, nuisance properties, vehicle break-ins and slow police response times as problems. I often go out in Walker’s Point to enjoy the great Mexican food and dancing in the gay entertainment district.
Yet, I too have been a victim to random theft and car break-ins. This more recent incident is giving me pause to reconsider whether these evenings of fun are worth the risk.
The Walker’s Point area near South Second Street is often lauded by gay guides and travel resources as an emerging gay neighborhood in Milwaukee. Cities that have gay friendly neighborhoods are often rated as good places for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people to live.
I wonder if this was a consideration when Milford decided to relocate for his job from South Africa to Milwaukee? I know when I took a job here in Milwaukee, I considered whether the community had an active LGBT presence when making my decision to move.
Crime in any fashion hurts a city like ours, but hate crime has a particularly devastating effect on a vulnerable minority population like the LGBT community.
Gay hate crimes and anti-gay legislation hurt our city’s ability to attract the best talent.
Milwaukee has a lot to offer the world in terms of business and industry, and it would be a shame to lose out on business opportunities because we don’t protect the rights of all of our citizens.
Alan Wells, Ph.D., resides in Milwaukee.
