Lavender Heights attack renews calls for increased security, LGBTQ+ community support
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
A recent attack in Sacramento’s Lavender Heights neighborhood is renewing safety concerns among LGBTQ+ residents ahead of the Rainbow Festival.
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Photos posted around Lavender Heights
Flyers highlighting reported attacks have appeared throughout the neighborhood as survivors and community leaders call for additional security, better coordination among businesses and more resources for victims.
Sacramento police have positioned surveillance cameras at 20th and L streets, where police said the latest reported attack occurred. Community members said the cameras are a welcome step but are not enough to address broader concerns.
Andy Cortez said he was attacked nearly a year ago while walking home from Lavender Heights. Cortez said four men followed him near 20th and H streets, shouted anti-gay slurs and attacked him from behind.
“I just remember face-planting into the curb,” Cortez said.
The attack left Cortez with broken teeth that had not been repaired nearly a year later. He said the physical and emotional effects changed how he viewed himself.
“I remember calling my friend and just being like, ‘I feel so ugly now. Like, I hate my face now. I don’t like the way I look anymore,’” Cortez said.
Cortez said he initially questioned whether he had done something wrong but decided to speak publicly after learning about more recent violence in Lavender Heights.
“You don’t deserve to just be beaten senselessly for just existing,” he said.
Sacramento police have not announced an arrest in connection with Cortez’s reported October 2025 attack.
Weeks after that incident, Alvin Prasad was assaulted after leaving a Lavender Heights business on Nov. 1, 2025. Prasad later died from his injuries.
Neil, who lives and works near Lavender Heights and asked to be identified only by his first name, said the reported violence is especially troubling with the Rainbow Festival approaching.
“This gay hatred that’s going on right now is very concerning,” Neil said.
Neil called for businesses to communicate more closely and establish a safe-haven policy for people experiencing harassment or violence.
“They’re not communicating with each other and listening to what our concerns and needs are,” he said. Nearby establishments should provide shelter, address immediate needs and contact authorities.
Teneral Cellars is a business in the district that is Safe Space certified.
The Sacramento LGBT Community Center said it is working with businesses, police and city officials to address safety concerns. CEO David Heitstuman said the center offers advocacy, victim services, peer support and mental health counseling.
“A lot of people aren’t comfortable going to the police first,” Heitstuman said. “And so we have a hate and bias incident reporting form on our website at saccenter.org that people can use. They can also just call the center and get support.”
Heitstuman said the center has seen an increase in people seeking mental health services amid growing fear and negative rhetoric about LGBTQ+ people.
He said Sacramento police entertainment and special-events teams are expected to have an increased presence during the Rainbow Festival. Security teams from neighborhood establishments are also coordinating with one another, he said.
The Midtown Association said Safe Space training for businesses is planned for later this year. The organization also plans to increase lighting along K Street in Lavender Heights.
Anyone with information or video connected to the latest reported attack is asked to contact Sacramento police.
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