In a somber month for the LGBTQ+ community, six Black transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals lost their lives to violence across the United States. As the nation grapples with this heart-wrenching trend, advocates and families are demanding justice and an end to the hate crimes plaguing their community.
Skylar Harrison, a vibrant 30-year-old, was found dead in a Washington, D.C. park on October 2. Despite initial police suggestions of an overdose, Skylar’s family firmly believes her death was a hate crime. Rhonda Hailes, Skylar’s aunt, described her as a “beautiful beacon of life.”
In Milwaukee, the community mourned the loss of Chyna Long, a 30-year-old choreographer, who was shot multiple times on October 8. Her family characterizes her death as a hate crime, and a suspect, Antonio Currin, has been charged with first-degree reckless homicide. Chyna Long’s tragic passing highlights the ongoing violence against transgender individuals in the city.
Chicago witnessed the fatal shooting of Dominic Dupree, a 25-year-old gender-nonconforming entrepreneur, on October 13. Dupree was known for establishing and operating multiple businesses, yet no arrests have been made in connection with his murder, leaving the community in anguish.
The month also saw the tragic passing of A’nee Roberson, who was assaulted and later struck by a car in Washington, D.C. A vigil was held to honor the 30-year-old, while police investigate whether her gender identity played a role in the initial assault.
Lisa Love, a 35-year-old, was shot and killed in Chicago on October 17 while walking home from a friend’s house. Family members believe she was targeted because she was transgender, shedding light on the vulnerabilities faced by transgender individuals.
London Price, a 26-year-old, met a tragic end in Miami-Dade County, Florida, on October 23. Price was pistol-whipped and shot in front of her grandmother, with police initially misgendering her. Subsequently, 25-year-old Anthony Quinn Peyton II was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
These incidents underscore the urgent need for increased awareness, protection, and justice for the transgender community. According to the Human Rights Campaign, these cases are part of a broader pattern of violence against transgender individuals, with many such incidents going unreported or misreported.
Transgender people, especially those of color, continue to face disproportionate risks of violence. A 2021 report from the UCLA School of Law’s Williams Institute revealed that transgender individuals are over four times more likely to become victims of violent crimes than cisgender individuals. The LGBTQ+ community and its allies are calling for comprehensive measures to address and combat this disturbing trend, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights and lives of transgender individuals across the nation.