In a devastating incident that highlights the ongoing violence against the LGBTQ+ community, Dominic DuPree, a 25-year-old Black gender-nonconforming individual, was fatally shot in Chicago on October 13. DuPree, also known as Dominic Palace, was sitting in a vehicle when they were shot multiple times, and sadly, they were pronounced dead at the scene. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the tragic incident.
Entrepreneurial Spirit Cut Short DuPree was not only a beloved member of the LGBTQ+ community but also an entrepreneur who ran two businesses, Private Protection Division LLC in Gary, Indiana, and Hondo IV Lawncare & Snow Removal LLC. Their social media presence showcased interests in Chicago sports teams, political figures, Tyler Perry movies, and favorite TV shows, offering a glimpse into their vibrant personality.
Alarming Statistics Tragically, DuPree’s death adds to a concerning trend of violence against gender-nonconforming individuals. They become the fourth gender-nonconforming person to be killed in the U.S. in 2023, and the second in just a month, according to the Human Rights Campaign. This grim incident also marks the 17th transgender or gender-nonconforming person killed in 2023 through gun violence, out of over 20 known victims among this community. Shockingly, HRC’s tracking data reveals that since 2013, at least 231 transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals have lost their lives to fatal violence involving firearms, accounting for roughly 70 percent of all such deaths.
A Call for Change Tori Cooper, the director of community engagement for HRC’s Transgender Justice Initiative, expressed deep sorrow over DuPree’s untimely passing, stating, “Dominic had an entrepreneurial spirit and was passionate about providing services to help others. Dominic was only 25, loved by so many people, and surely had so much more to give. We must all work to stop the horrific gun violence that too often takes the lives of Black transgender and gender-nonconforming people.”
The tragic loss of Dominic DuPree serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need to address and combat the violence faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those who are transgender and gender-nonconforming.