Today is the Transgender Day of Remembrance, a time to remember those who were murdered around the world due to anti-transgender violence. In 2009, 101 people have been reported as murdered because of their gender identity.
The following are those in the United States who lost their lives in the last year.
Taysia Elzy
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana USA
Cause of Death: Shot to death by 20 year old Christopher Conwell.
Date of Death: December 26, 2008
Taysia was 34 years old.
Taysia and Michael Hunt were romantically involved and it is believed
that they were murdered because Taysia was transgender and Michael
was murdered because of his relationship with Taysia.
They were both found dead in their apartment.
Michael Hunt
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana USA
Cause of Death: Shot to death by 20 year old Christopher Conwell.
Date of Death: December 26, 2008
Michael was 22 years old.
While Michael was not transgender, it is believed that
he was murdered because he and Taysia Elzy were lovers.
They were both found dead in their apartment.
Caprice Curry
Location: San Francisco, California
Cause of Death: Stabbed to death.
Date of Death: January 17, 2009
Caprice was 31 years old.
Caprice Curry
Location: San Francisco, California
Cause of Death: Stabbed to death.
Date of Death: January 17, 2009
Caprice was 31 years old.
Foxy Ivy
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Cause of Death: Shot
Date of Death: May 25, 2009
Foxy was an African American woman under the age of 35, she was found in Highland Parkand had been fatally shot in the back of the head.
Kelly (Frederick) Watson
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Cause of Death: Murdered
Date of Death: June 9, 2009
Kelly was 32 years old. If you have any information on this murder, please call the
Albuquerque Police Department at (505) 843-STOP.
Website with more info: Obituary in the Gallup Independent
http://www.gallupindependent.com/2009/06June/061809deaths.html
Christopher Jermaine Scott
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cause of Death: Shot multiple times
Date of Death: July 1, 2009
The victim was shot multiple times in the face and torso.
He was clad in a blond wig and pink clothing.
He was 36 years old.
Source:http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20090703_Body_found_in_Fairmount_Park_is_identified.html
Terri Benally
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Cause of Death: Beaten to death
Date of Death: July 7, 2009
Terri was 42 years old.
Cesar Torres
Location: El Paso, Texas
Cause of Death: Blunt Force Trauma
Date of Death: July 9, 2009
An autopsy report says Cesar died from blunt force trauma. He had cuts around his eyes, broken ribs, a broken nose, a ruptured liver, wrenched neck and several stab wounds. Cesar was 39 years old.
Beyonce (Eric) Lee
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Cause of Death: Stabbed to death
Date of Death: July 26, 2009
Eric Lee was a drag performer who dressed and performed as
the famous singer Beyonce. Eric was found in his appartment
where he had been stabbed to death.
Eric was 21 years old.
Tyli’a Mack also known as NaNa Boo
Location: Washington, DC
Cause of Death: Stabbed to death
Date of Death: August 26, 2009
Tyli’a was stabbed to death on the street in broad daylight.
Tyli’a was 21 years old.
Paulina Ibarra
Location: East Hollywood, California
Cause of Death: Stabbed to death
Date of Death: August 28, 2009
Paulina was found dead inside her apartment, she had
been stabbed to death. Paulina was 24 years old.
Unidentified person dressed in woman’s clothes
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Cause of Death: Stabbed
Date of Death: October 25, 2009
Police found her lying unconscious and bleeding in the street.
They took her to the hospital where she died a half hour later.
Source: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bal-stabbing1026,0,2707985.story
Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado
Location: Cayey, Peurto Rico
Cause of Death: decapitated
Date of Death: November 14, 2009
Jorge was found on the site of an isolated road in the city of Cayey, he was partially burned, decapitated, and dismembered, both arms, both legs, and the torso.
Jorge was 19 years old.
Sources: http://www.365gay.com/news/murder-suspect-thought-puerto-rico-gay-teen-was-a-woman/
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2397832/hate_crime_gay_puerto_rican_teen_george.html
http://www.towleroad.com/2009/11/gay-puerto-rican-teen-decapitated-dismembered-and-burned.html
http://www.towleroad.com/2009/11/man-arrested-in-horrific-murder-of-puerto-rican-gay-teen.html
To remember those lives that have been lost, several events will be held in Minnesota.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Friday, November 20, 2009
7:00 PM
Spirit of the Lakes United Church of Christ
NW corner of 13th Avenue and Lake Street
New Brighton, Minnesota
Thursday, November 19, 2009
11:30 AM
the Bigelow Chapel at United Theological Seminary
just off Silver Lake Road on 5th St. NW
River Falls, Wisconsin
Thursday, November 19, 2009
7:00 – 9:00 PM
University Center Fire Pit
410 S 3rd St
River Falls, WI 54022-5001
“Ma Vie En Rose (My Life in Pink).” This film is being shown specifically for the Transgender Day of Remembrance, so please join us as we celebrate life and resistance, speaking out about gender violence while honoring the wholeness of transgender and gender non-conforming lives.
ALSO (for those interested):
Small World Coffee Hour/Thanksgiving Dinner:
Prior to the movie, you are welcome to attend the Small World Coffee Hour (co-hosted by the International Buddy Program) as they put on a Thanksgiving feast –with all the trimmings- for U of M international students, scholars, staff, faculty, friends, and family. 4pm-6pm, Nov 20th at the Carlson School Atrium.
*This film showing is co-sponsored by Housing and Residential Life GLBTA Network, the Queer Student Cultural Center (QSCC), the Minnesota International Student Association (MISA), the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS), and the GLBTA Programs Office.
A Struggle Over Gender Identity – Free Film Viewing: “Ma Vie en Rose”
Friday, 20 November 2009
6pm to 7:4pm
Carlson School 1-123
Check out the GLBTA International Initiative blog by clicking on the link at http://glbta.umn.edu/international
For more information, please contact [email protected] or call (612) 626-2562