2021 Has Been A Deadly Year For Transgender People

2021 isn’t over, however 45 transgender individuals have been killed this yr alone in america. On November ninth, the Human Rights Marketing campaign Basis (HRC) reported that extra transgender and nonbinary individuals died in 2021 than in any yr the group had beforehand recorded. The HRC started monitoring this information in 2013.

Many Transgender Individuals Face Discrimination and Violence

When a transgender individual comes out in a welcoming and protected neighborhood, they will rejoice their id and discover a sense of belonging. Sadly, many transgender individuals nonetheless face discrimination and judgment. These destructive attitudes can contribute to some brutal well being disparities.

Many transgender individuals fear that their households will disown them. The stats present that this concern is rooted in actuality for a lot of LGBTQ+ youth. As many as 40% of homeless young people identify as LGBTQ+. If a transgender baby or younger grownup turns into homeless, they face a higher risk for a number of health issues: starvation and malnutrition, assault and muggings, and psychological trauma. Transgender individuals, particularly transgender girls of shade, are often profiled by police and arrested.

In response to The Commonwealth Fund, a basis that research well being points in communities throughout america, “The poisonous stress of residing as a trans individual in America can negatively have an effect on bodily and psychological well-being.” For instance, even when a transgender individual isn’t kicked out of their childhood residence, they face different well being obstacles. As many as 1 in 5 transgender people live without health insurance or regular access to health services, even though transgender people statistically cope with high rates of mental illness and suicidal ideas. “Trans persons are more likely than the general population to face discrimination in schooling and employment, abuse by the police, harassment in public areas, and bodily, verbal, and sexual assault,” The Commonwealth Fund reviews.

Some Deaths Proceed to Go Unreported

45 transgender individuals dying is, undoubtedly, 45 too many. Nonetheless, organizations like GLAAD and the HRC warn that the precise quantity might be a lot increased.

Transgender victims could also be misgendered by their households, the police drive, or native information retailers. So if a trans individual dies and is misidentified within the obituary or police report, they will not be included in LGBTQ+ information units. After the HRC launched its 2017 annual report, Nick Adams, the Director of Transgender Media and Illustration of GLAAD, wrote, “For plenty of causes, murders of transgender individuals typically go under-reported. As such, we are able to by no means be totally assured that the variety of identified transgender homicide victims displays the overall quantity killed.”

Remembering the Victims

The HRC has identified the 45 victims killed this year. By publishing their names, the HRC hopes to memorialize these people. Here’s a copy of these transient biographies.

• Tyianna Alexander, who was also referred to as Davarea Alexander, was a 28-year-old Black trans girl. Tyianna was shot to loss of life in Chicago on January 6. On social media, buddies of Tyianna posted that she had “good power” and had “an exquisite mild,” with one pal saying “I cherished every part about her.” Mentioned one other pal, “this girl was nothing however life, encouragement, motivation and enjoyable.”
• Samuel Edmund Damián Valentín, a transgender man, was killed on January 9 in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. Samuel was wanting ahead to beginning a brand new yr. On January 1, he posted on his Fb, “a brand new yr to return, grateful for all of the experiences who [taught] me how robust we actually are, to life, to good and dangerous, and for all justice that’s forth to return.” He additionally spoke out in opposition to violence in Puerto Rico, expressing his hope for a Puerto Rico with out killings.
• Bianca “Muffin” Bankz, a Black transgender girl, was shot to loss of life in Atlanta, Ga. on January 17. On Friday, January 29, Bianca’s buddies and the Trans Housing Coalition (THC) held a vigil outdoors of her condo to recollect her. Mentioned THC’s Founder and Co-Director Jesse Pratt López, “Muffin was simply blossoming into herself.”
• Dominique Jackson, a Black transgender girl, was shot to loss of life in Jackson, Miss. on January 25. In response to her Fb, Dominique was the Mom of the Haus of Redd, and the Founding father of The Ladi Redd Inc. Buddies are remembering her on social media, with one saying “my coronary heart is heavy,” and one other sharing “I’m puzzled.”
• Fifty Bandz, a 21-year-old Black transgender girl,was shot to loss of life in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on January 28. Buddies of Fifty Bandz and advocates mentioned her title as they launched balloons to recollect her life. On Fb, one pal shared, “When are we as a neighborhood going to do one thing?!”
• Alexus Braxton, also referred to as Kimmy Icon Braxton, a 45-year-old Black trans girl, was killed on Feb. 4 in Miami. Braxton was a hairstylist and energetic on social media, posting commonly. Certainly one of her most up-to-date posts mentioned “they will’t cease my shine.” Household and buddies held a balloon launch to honor Alexus’s life on February 8 and have been remembering her on social media, with one saying “I’m past devastated.”
• Chyna Carrillo, who additionally glided by Chyna Cardenas, was killed within the morning hours of February 18, 2021, in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. Not a lot is understood on the time about Chyna’s private life. Certainly one of her social media posts advised she would have celebrated her twenty fifth birthday simply weeks earlier than her loss of life. “Chyna was very younger and didn’t should have her life reduce quick,” mentioned HRC Director of Group Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative Tori Cooper.
• Siblings Jeffrey “JJ” Bright, a 16-year-old trans boy, and Jasmine Cannady, a 22-year-old non-binary individual, each from Ambridge, Pennsylvania, have been killed on February 22. Jeffrey was a scholar at Ambridge Excessive Faculty, whereas Jasmine labored at FedEx, in line with their Fb web page. Each siblings have been energetic in PRISM, a non-profit group for the LGBTQ+ youth of Beaver County, Pa. “JJ is part of our PRISM household,” PRISM shared on their Fb. “JJ was an exquisite individual with the largest and brightest smile.” PRISM describes Jasmine as “a candy, shy and creative soul,” and in line with the Transfamily of NWPA, Jasmine “cherished to bop. They cared deeply for his or her buddies.” On February 23, PRISM held a candlelight vigil in reminiscence of Jasmine and Jeffrey.
• Jenna Franks, a 34-year-old white transgender girl, was killed in Jacksonville, North Carolina in February. Jenna was part of the Onslow County LGBTQ+ Group Heart household. She was remembered on Fb by family and friends as “candy” and “a rock star.” Dennis Biancuzzo, Government Director for the Onslow County LGBTQ+ Group Heart, described Jenna as “an exquisite soul” and “a breath of recent air.”
• Diamond Kyree Sanders, a 23-year-old Black transgender girl, was shot to loss of life in Cincinnati, Ohio on March 3. Diamond was described by a member of the family on social media as “beloved.” An obituary shared by her household describes many loving reminiscences. “She valued her household and loved spending time with them. As a baby, she would say “I like my WHOLE household!,” the obituary states. In her grownup life, Diamond was a traveler, identified to be in New York Metropolis one week and New Orleans the next week, additionally in line with her obituary.
• Rayanna Pardo, a 26-year-old Latina trans girl, was killed on March 17 in Los Angeles. A former colleague of Rayanna’s from Starbucks shared that as co-workers, that they had an “superb time collectively.” In response to The Advocate, the TransLatin@ Coalition and Rayanna’s family and friends held a candlelight vigil in her reminiscence on March 20. “Rayanna was such an exquisite younger one who simply needed to reside her life and be herself,” mentioned Trans Latin@ Coalition President Bamby Salcedo.
• Jaida Peterson, a 29-year-old Black trans girl, was killed on April 4 in Charlotte, N.C. Jaida’s household and buddies have been remembering her on social media, together with her sister sharing, “you’ll be really missed and as soon as once more we love you at all times.” Native advocates in Charlotte held a vigil on April 9 to recollect her.
• Dominique Lucious, a 26-year-old Black transgender girl, was shot and killed on April 8 in Springfield, Missouri. In response to her Fb account, Dominique was a fan of the TV present “Empire.” On social media, lots of Dominique’s buddies expressed their love for her and the way a lot she will likely be missed. One pal shared “Many don’t get to reside of their genuine fact. You have been fierce, glam, and hunny beautiful! I like you now, tomorrow and without end.”
• Remy Fennell, a Black transgender girl in her 20s, was shot to loss of life on April 15 in Charlotte, N.C. Remy’s aunt mentioned, “She was a vibrant younger transgender girl who was simply attempting to make it & was doing it. She began her personal enterprise, graduated from cosmetology faculty…She has left her mark on the hair business.”
• Tiara Banks, a 24-year-old Black transgender girl, was killed in Chicago, Illinois on April 21, 2021. In response to a information report, Tiara was sitting alone in her Ford Fusion when the shooter approached the car and shot Tiara a number of instances. Tiara was pronounced lifeless on the scene. “At simply 24 years previous, Tiara had her complete whole life forward of her and, as an alternative, we’re remembering her due to the continuing deadly violence in opposition to transgender individuals,” mentioned HRC Director of Group Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative Tori Cooper.
• Natalia Smut, a 24-year-old Black and Puerto Rican transgender girl, was killed on April 23 in Milpitas, California. Natalia was a celebrated drag artist within the San Jose LGBTQ neighborhood with area people members describing her as a “motivating and inventive spirit” with “fascinating performances” and a “love for advocacy throughout the neighborhood.” Buddies and neighborhood members organized a vigil for Natalia, with greater than 100 individuals attending.
• Iris Santos, a 22-year-old Latinx transgender girl, was killed in Houston, Texas on April 23, 2021. Iris was sitting at a picnic desk having fun with a meal when an unidentified suspect approached and shot her. Iris was taken to an area hospital, the place she was later pronounced lifeless. “Iris was so younger with so many issues to look ahead to,” mentioned Tori Cooper, Human Rights marketing campaign director of neighborhood engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative. “Iris was merely minding her personal enterprise, sitting and consuming when her life was abruptly reduce quick.”
• Tiffany Thomas, a 38-year-old Black transgender girl, was killed on April 24 in Dallas, Texas. Tiffany is being remembered as somebody who had a “massive coronary heart, who was “humorous” and “stayed laughing,” and who was trendy.
• Keri Washington, a 49-year-old Black transgender girl, was killed on Might 1 in Clearwater, Florida. “Our neighborhood is but once more in mourning on account of mindless acts of violence in opposition to transgender and gender non-conforming individuals,” mentioned Tori Cooper, HRC Director of Group Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative. “Keri was at the least the fourth transgender girl killed in lower than 10 days, every of them Black or Brown. We urge everybody to finish the stigma in opposition to transgender individuals, and to destroy the roots of transphobia and racism that gas this violence.”
• Jahaira DeAlto, a 42-year-old transgender girl, was killed on Might 2 in Boston, Mass. A well known and beloved transgender advocate, advocate for survivors of home and sexual violence, and member of the ballroom neighborhood, Jahaira was a member of the Home of Balenciaga and was a founding father of Berkshire Transgender Day of Remembrance and Berkshire Delight Competition. She shared on Twitter, “I’m the mom who raised the kids whose rainbow sparkled too brightly and blinded their beginning mothers… I do know what gratitude within the eyes of a teenager who lastly feels seen appears to be like like. And for me, that’s sufficient.”
• Whispering Wind Bear Spirit, a 41-year-old Indigenous non-binary individual, was shot in York, Pennsylvania on Might 3 and died early on Might 4. They typically shared images of significant quotes on their Fb. Family and friends are remembering them on Fb, with one sharing “you’re missed” and one other remembering Whispering Wind as “an exquisite and sort soul.”
• Sophie Vásquez, a 36-year-old Latina transgender girl, was shot and killed in Georgia on Might 4. Sophie was part of the EsTr (El / La) Group, or Group Estrella, a neighborhood that works to help transgender individuals within the Atlanta space. She is remembered as “the kindest individual on the planet” and as somebody who was “really lovely in and out.”
• Danika “Danny” Henson, who additionally glided by Pryynce Daniel and Niia Da Don on Fb, a 31-year-old Black transgender girl, was shot and killed in Baltimore, Maryland, on Might 4. Henson additionally might have recognized as genderfluid. In response to household, Henson had simply begun transitioning. One member of the family shared that Henson “at all times had a BIG coronary heart… there was love behind every part!” On Might 6, buddies, household and the Baltimore Secure Haven hosted a candlelight and balloon launch vigil to recollect Henson.
• Serenity Hollis, a 24-year-old Black transgender girl, was shot and killed in Albany, Georgia, on Might 8. Her mom mentioned that “the individual that’s accountable has no concept what they took from us…I completely need to see that justice is served.”
• Oliver “Ollie” Taylor, a 17-year-old white trans boy, died on Might 19 after being kidnapped and shot on Might 12 in Gervais, Oregon. He was a scholar at Gervais Excessive Faculty, the place he was concerned within the Gervais Future Farmers of America group. The highschool held a vigil to recollect Oliver on Might 20. Oliver is remembered as “an incredible baby with a unusual humorousness, who impacted so many individuals.”
• Thomas Hardin, a 35-year-old Black transgender girl, was killed on Might 2 in York, South Carolina. In response to local news, buddies have shared that Hardin “recognized as a lady,” continued to make use of the title Thomas and used each he and he or she pronouns. Buddies remembered Hardin as somebody who “at all times saved you laughing.” A funeral service was held on Might 12. Sadly, not a lot is at present identified about Hardin’s life.
• Poe Black, who additionally glided by Oliver Jackson and Legion, was a 21-year-old transgender man who was killed in Niland, California in an space known as Slab Metropolis, in early Might. His physique was discovered on Might 11. Poe was initially from Nashville, Tennessee and sometimes posted about incapacity rights and Black Lives Matter on social media. He was additionally an artist, with a number of on-line shops the place he displayed and bought his artwork.
• EJ Boykin, who additionally glided by Novaa Watson, was killed in Lynchburg, Virginia on June 14. He had only recently celebrated his twenty third birthday on June 10 and was finding out at Morgan State College. It seems EJ was additionally the dad or mum of a younger baby. Certainly one of Boykin’s buddies instructed HRC that “He was cherished and like[d] by everybody. He was a kind of those who was simply good vibes and power.”
• Aidelen Evans, a 24-year-old Black transgender girl, was discovered lifeless in March in Port Arthur, Texas. Initially investigated as suspicious, as of July, her loss of life is being investigated as a murder. Aidelen was initially from Beaumont, Texas and had not too long ago frolicked in Port Arthur, Beaumont and Houston. “No person — no dad or mum ought to need to undergo this,” mentioned Lois Balka, Aidelen’s grandmother, in March. “You’ll at all times be in my coronary heart.” Sadly, not a lot is at present identified about Aidelen’s life.
• Taya Ashton, a 20-year-old Black trans girl, was killed in Suitland, Prince George’s County, Maryland on July 17. In response to social media, family and friends held a vigil and balloon launch to recollect Taya. “Taya was simply originally of her life — a life that she deserved to reside to its fullest,” mentioned Lindsey Clark, HRC Affiliate Director of the Transgender Justice Initiative. “Black transgender girls proceed to be killed on this nation, and this violence is unacceptable.”
• Shai Vanderpump, a 23-year-old Black trans girl, was killed in Trenton, New Jersey, on July 30. In response to Garden State Equality, Shai was “a fierce LGBTQ advocate.” A GoFundMe remembered Shai as being identified for her “fashion [and] love of household,” as somebody who had a “coronary heart of gold” and who “cherished to decorate, smile and see everybody glad and smiling.”
• Tierramarie Lewis, a 36-year-old Black transgender girl, was killed in Cleveland, Ohio on June 12. On account of misgendering and misnaming from native officers and an absence of media protection, her loss of life was not reported till not too long ago. In response to reporting from The Buckeye Flame, Tierramarie moved to Cleveland final yr for a recent begin. One pal remembered Tierramarie as “a spirited lady… in the future she would have purple hair, in the future pink hair and at all times an outfit to go together with these colours.”
• Miss CoCo, a 44-year-old trans girl of shade, was killed in Dallas, Texas on August 7, 2021. In response to Nu Trans Movement, she was “a well known small lady with an enormous, bubbly character. CoCo was a contented individual [and] proud to be residing her fact!” Sadly, not a lot past that is publicly identified about Miss CoCo’s life right now.
• Pooh Johnson, a 25- year-old Black trans girl, was killed in Shreveport, Louisiana on August 23, 2021. Johnson was an completed make-up artist below the title Titanizer. Sadly, not a lot past that is publicly identified about Johnson’s life right now.
• Disaya Monaee, a 32-year-old Black transgender girl, was fatally shot in Chicago, Illinois on September 6. “The epidemic of violence plaguing the transgender neighborhood, significantly Black transgender girls, is appalling,” mentioned Tori Cooper, HRC Director of Group Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative. “It’s typically the results of a poisonous mixture of transphobia, racism and misogyny.”
• Briana Hamilton was a 25-year-old Black transgender girl who was fatally shot in Chicago, Illinois. On social media, Hamilton’s mom described her as Brianna as an “superb one who touched so many individuals hearts together with her presence and her reminiscence will without end reside on.”
• Kiér Laprí Kartier, a 21-year-old Black transgender girl, was fatally shot in Arlington, Texas on Sept. 30, 2021. Kartier was from Dallas, Texas and graduated from Skyline Excessive Faculty. Her buddies remembered her on social media as a “very robust, impartial individual” who “at all times had my again via thick and skinny.”
• Mel Groves, a 25-year-old Black trans man, was fatally shot on Oct. 11, 2021 in Jackson, Miss. Groves was a plant soil scientist at Alcorn State College who cherished agriculture and animals. Groves was additionally an energetic member of The Knights & Orchids Society, “a southern centered grassroots startup based and led by black, queer, transgender, and gender non-conforming individuals supporting gender justice and LGBTQ visibility.”
• Royal Poetical Starz, a 26-year-old Black trans girl, was fatally shot in Miami Gardens, Florida on Oct. 2, was a graduate of Florida Profession Faculty Vocational Faculty. On social media, she was remembered as “the lifetime of the celebration.”
• Zoella “Zoey” Rose Martinez, a 20-year-old Latina trans girl, was fatally shot in Maple Valley, Washington again on Aug. 31, 2021. Her physique was later present in Seattle. Preliminary reviews didn’t acknowledge Zoey as transgender till her household confirmed her id this month. In a press release to HRC, Martinez’s household shared that Zoey “Zoey mastered make-up that accentuated her loving and caring character…Zoey had an exquisite spirit, she at all times had a smile and had solely sort phrases to say about others. Zoey was a born chief and her friends acknowledged her as such.”
• Jo Acker, a white 26-year-old transgender girl, was killed in Boise, Idaho on October 26, 2021. Acker was one of many victims of a tragic shooting at Boise Towne Sq. mall whereas working safety. Her household mentioned Acker ran towards the suspect to cease him, seemingly saving many lives. Acker’s household instructed the media that Acker was “a hero” and “the kind of individual that at all times needed to assist individuals.” They added that she “will likely be enormously missed.”
• Jessi Hart, a white 42-year-old transgender girl, was killed in Banks, Oregon. Her physique was discovered on Oct. 17, 2021. Previous to her loss of life, Hart and her teenaged son, Caleb, had been fighting housing insecurity, staying in resort rooms via sponsored and nonprofit help. Later, they each have been staying in her black Saab. Sadly, not a lot is understood about Hart’s private life. “As transgender individuals, we regularly face so many challenges and uncertainties, together with housing and employment safety,” mentioned Tori Cooper, HRC Director of Group Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative. “Sadly, these conditions can result in enormously unlucky outcomes. My coronary heart and that of the neighborhood goes out to her son, Caleb.”
• Rikkey Outumuro, a.ok.a. Tru Starlet, was a 39-year-old Latina transgender girl who was fatally shot in Centralia, WA. on the night time of October 30 or the morning of October 31, 2021. Outumuro was a preferred and well-loved member of the Washington LGBTQ+ neighborhood. She carried out below the drag title Tru Starlet and was a former Miss Homosexual Lewis County. Buddies remembered her on social media, with one writing that she was “an unimaginable advocate for the queer and trans neighborhood for almost 20 years.”
• Marquiisha Lawrence, a 28-year-old Black trans girl, was “very humble,” as one pal remembers her, and had a “coronary heart of gold.” Lawrence’s pal mentioned that her favourite factor to do was to cook dinner as a result of she felt it “crammed the stomach and fed the guts.” Lawrence was fatally shot in South Carolina on Nov. 4, 2021.

Making Communities Safer for Transgender Individuals

Transgender individuals in america face discrimination and violence, but it surely doesn’t need to be this manner. Activists like Gwendolyn Ann Smith, the founding father of Transgender Day of Remembrance, are working to make their communities safer for LGBTQ+ individuals. Readers who need to help this advocacy may also take motion.

In 2021 alone, totally different states proposed over 100 bills that discriminate against transgender people. These payments embrace Florida’s “Equity in Girls’s Sports activities Act” — which bans transgender athletes collaborating in feminine faculty sports activities groups — and Tennessee’s invoice that requires companies to promote in the event that they welcome transgender prospects. Readers might take into account researching and petitioning in opposition to these discriminatory insurance policies.

If you’re transgender and you’re in want of help, you don’t need to battle alone. When you don’t have a LGBTQ+ neighborhood heart close to you, take into account reaching out to the Trevor Challenge, the Nationwide Heart for Transgender Equality, the Transgender Legislation Heart, ThemsHealth, or GSLEN.

Collectively, we are able to work towards a safer future.