The Delaware Anti-Violence Project Responds to Inflammatory Social Media Posts by Local Business Owner & Spiritual Guide Anna Mae
Speak Out Against Hate (SOAH) and Indivisible Southern Delaware Join in Expressing Concern
The Delaware Anti-Violence Project responded today to inflammatory comments made on social media by local business owner and self described Spiritual Guide Anna Mae, owner of Anna Mae Minerals in Lewes, Delaware. The organization strongly condemns the hostile rhetoric regarding the transgender community, noting that her words not only dehumanize vulnerable individuals but also appear to incite and condone physical violence.
Desiree Aurillo, chair of the Delaware Anti-Violence Project, stated “Community leaders should set an example by empowering those who look up to them through advocacy, love, and respect. They should not utilize their online platforms to threaten violence and applaud the viciousness of others. With this in mind, it is crucial that we support businesses that align with our values and boycott those that encourage violence, bigotry, racism, and hatred.” (longer statement included below).
Anna Mae has amassed a large social media following on instagram, facebook, and telegram, and frequently posts about transgender people. Delaware Anti-Violence Project has its own compilation of some of her more disturbing posts on Friday. To date, the video has been watched over 5,000 times on the Anti-Violence Project Facebook and Instagram Accounts.
The Delaware Anti-Violence Project, a program of Sussex Pride, was joined by SOAH (Speak Out Against Hate), and Indivisible Delaware in condemning the online posts attacking the Transgender Community.’
In one post, Anna Mae shares a video of transgender activists being physically attacked and describes the attack as “satisfying as hell.” Another video features her extensive knife collection, in the background, as she threatens to cut the genitalia of a transgender person.
Patty Maloney, President of Speak Out Against Hate (SOAH), stated: “Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of American democracy, but publicly promoting violence, hatred, and intimidation against transgender people and other marginalized communities is not leadership; it crosses a line — it is dangerous and reckless behavior that threatens the safety and well-being of innocent people.” (Full Statement Below).
Cheryl Siskin, an organizer with Indivisible SouthernDelaware, stated “Indivisible Southern Delaware believes all people should be able to enjoy their lives without fear. We reject violence and threats of violence. ISD agrees with Sussex Pride and SOAH that the hate expressed by Anna Mae has no place in our community.”
Resources
Video of Anna Mae’s disturbing social media posts can be viewed on the Delaware Anti-Violence facebook (facebook.com/delawareAVP) or instagram (instagram.com/delawareavp)
Full Statement from Desiree Aurillo, Chair of the Delaware Anti-Violence Project
True spiritual leadership is built on a foundation of love and respect. Community leaders should lead by example and empower those who look up to them. It is a leader’s duty to inspire and advocate, especially when the world feels like it’s falling apart. Leaders should not use their influence to spread hate towards marginalized communities who mean them no harm. They certainly should not utilize their online platforms to threaten violence and applaud the viciousness of others. Please consider where you spend your money and ensure it is with businesses that share your values. Avoid organizations where spiritual leaders actively encourage violence, bigotry, racism, and hatred be perpetrated towards innocent people who are just living their lives. Choose to invest your spirit and your resources where humanity is honored, not attacked.
Full Statement from Patty Maloney, President of Speak Out Against Hate (SOAH)
Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of American democracy, but publicly promoting violence, hatred, and intimidation against transgender people and other marginalized communities is not leadership; it crosses a line — it is dangerous and reckless behavior that threatens the safety and well-being of innocent people. Delaware is stronger than the fear and division being spread by individuals who use their businesses, influence, or spiritual platforms to encourage bigotry, glorify violence, and dehumanize members of our community. True community and spiritual leadership demands compassion, accountability, and the courage to protect vulnerable people, not target them for harassment and hate. We urge Delawareans to stand united, speak out against extremism in all forms, and support businesses and organizations that reflect values of dignity, inclusion, justice, and respect for all people. As the First State, we refuse to allow hate and threats of violence to define who we are or silence those simply seeking to live their lives in peace and freedom. Let us stand up to hate in all its forms because hate has no home here.
About the Delaware Anti-Violence Project
The Delaware Anti-Violence Project (DAVP) is a social justice organization dedicated to ending violence against the LGBTQ+ community. Through crisis intervention, survivor advocacy, and community education, the project fosters a safer environment for marginalized individuals across the state. By partnering with local institutions to promote culturally competent care, DAVP works to ensure that LGBTQ+ Delawareans are protected, heard, and supported within the justice system.