November 2020 - November 2021
TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
#SayTheirNames
WHAT IS THE 2021 TDOR BOOKLET? This booklet is a memorial to honor members of the trans community across the globe whose lives have been taken as a result of violence. These victims are not just numbers or headlines. They were real people worthy of dignity, respect, love, and life. We encourage you to read through everyone's story.
BLACK TRANS LIVES MATTER We ask that everyone reading acknowledge that the intersections of racism, sexism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and unchecked access to guns conspire to deprive Black transgender women of employment, housing, healthcare and other necessities. Deadly violence disproportionately affects transgender women of color -- particularly Black transgender women. We must recognize that change will only come when allies and supporters come together for collective liberation. Collective liberation "requires not just policy and legal change but the shifting of hearts and attitudes about the value of Black trans lives." (Transgender Law Center)
NOVEMBER 2020 DECEMBER 2020
#SayTheirNames
Asia Jynaé Foster she/her
Asia was a Houston native. She worked at a local business and had been involved in Job Corp. She liked racing themed video games. Her social media is filled with the ups and downs, the joys and angst of any American young twentysomething. Montrose Grace Place, an LGBTQ-affirming shelter for homeless youth in Houston, said, “Asia was outgoing, funny, and she could put together a read that left everyone around her scrambling to pick up their jaws.” A candlelight vigil was held for Asia at the Montrose Center, a Houston LGBTQ resource center. At the vigil, friends and family said Asia was a beacon of light in their community.
Skylar Heath she/her
Skylar was described as a “kind and gentle soul” who “had such a love for family and close friends” and who also “loved people in general.” She had a “warm personality” and a “friendly spirit,” and brought people who knew her “so much joy.”
Chae’Meshia Simms she/her
“[Chae’Meshia was a] wellloved individual.” Father
Simms was remembered by loved ones as a good person, kind and “cool as hell”, and always her “own boss”. Simms’ family and friends gathered Friday evening for a vigil to commemorate her life.“This is going to make us all a little bit stronger,” he told local reporters about his daughter’s death. “We’re going to find out the reasoning behind it, so we can have closure as a family.”
Kimberly Fial she/her
Fial, a transgender woman with a fondness for bright colors and easy laughs. “My heart always felt warm when I saw her when I got into the building,” said shelter manager Anthony Mastrocola. “One, I’m thinking ‘OK I know everything’s under control.’ And two, she’s just a good person.” “She had a twinkle in her eye. This little smile,” Shaunn Cartwright, who runs a homeless outreach effort out of the church. “It was kind of like, ‘What are you up to?’”
Jaheim Pugh Jaheim Barbie AKA Bella she/her
“Love your kids for who they are. Because you know one day they could be here, the next day they can be gone.”
Antonio Ruggs Father
On December 18, Jaheim Pugh Jaheim Barbie’s family held a celebration of life, including a motorcade and gathering. Jaheim was reported to be in the early stages of transitioning. Friends are remembering Jaheim Pugh Jaheim Barbie on social media as “the life of the party,” “such a bright light” and “so loving.” Bella's mother shared, “I loved [them] with everything in me, that’s why [they] could shine like [they] did. Everything I had I poured into [Bella].”
Courtney “Eshay” Key she/her
"She wanted to be something. She wanted to beat the odds.”
Beverly Ross Friend
Friends and family of Courtney described her as the “life of the party” and as “hilarious and determined.” Many friends and family are sharing how much they will miss Eshay. Her social media feeds are filled with the exuberance and lively content you expect from a twentysomething young woman. One of her last posts was a shout-out to her friend Bella, another Black trans woman who had died under mysterious circumstances in August 2020.
Alexandria Winchester she/her
“Alexandria mattered to her community and to the world. The loss of another transgender person in 2020 is devastating.” Lindsey Clark HRC Transgender Justice Initiative
She was a client of the Ali Forney Centre, which helps homeless LGBT+ youth. “We are shattered, but our dedication is not broken. We are working with our community partners to host a vigil. As we mourn this loss, we continue our fight for trans lives, and we hold space for our trans coworkers and clients to bring light to her life and death, to say her name, to hold community, and to affirm that trans lives matter and trans lives are beautiful” the organization said.
JANUARY 2021 NOVEMBER 2021
#SayTheirNames
Tyianna Alexander she/her
"All Black trans lives matter, and yet we are increasingly faced with systems and individuals who speak those words but do nothing to prove their commitment to Black and trans liberation.”
- Brave Space Alliance Black, Trans-led LGBTQ advocacy group
Tyianna was born and raised in Chicago. She was known as Barbie, had worked at McDonald’s, and is remembered my many for her enthusiastic greetings when she ran into a friend or loved one. Many people talk about her love of dancing – their memories will be of her in motion and vibrant.
Samuel Edmund Damián Valentín he/him
"Por las circunstancias de estas muertes y por la experiencia con crímenes de odio, es que las autoridades deben investigar minuciosamente estos dos casos... ya serían catorce víctimas de la ola de violencia homofóbica y transfóbica que azota al país en dos años. Esto tiene que parar y el gobierno tiene que actuar, de inmediato, para atajar esta crisis"
- Pedro Julio Serrano human rights activist
Samuel posted, “a new year to come, grateful for all the experiences who [taught] me how strong we really are, to life, to good and bad, and for all justice that is forth to come.” He also spoke out against violence in Puerto Rico. He has been remembered by local advocates on social media who have called for justice for him and all LGBTQ people who have been killed in Puerto Rico.
Bianca “Muffin” Bankz she/her
"Muffin was a good friend, a girl who if you forgot the butter [at the store] she already had it.”
- Africa
Friend & Roommate
Muffin was a child of the foster care system in Florida and moved to Atlanta in her early 20s where she found her chosen family. Muffin was blossoming into herself. She had recently begun her medical transition in November. Her hope, according a friend, was to compete on RuPaul’s Drag Race. They were supposed to compete together.
Dominique Jackson she/her
“Dominique was an important and valued member of her community, where she will be greatly missed.”
- Tori Cooper Director of Community Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative
Dominique was a co-founder of BreakOUT! New Orleans, an LGBTQ organization whose motto is "Fighting the criminalization of LGBTQ youth." Known for her red hairstyles, she was also active in the Mississippi chapter of the Human Rights Campaign. Dominique was the Mother of the Hause of Redd and the founder of The Ladi Redd Inc.
Fifty Bandz she/her
- Fifty Bandz Friends and advocates said Fifty Bandz’s name and released balloons to remember her life. Many on shared the sentiment “rest in peace,” with another saying “long live Fifty Bandz.” One friend shared, “When are we as a community going to do something?!”
Alexus “Kimmy Icon” Braxton she/her
“Twenty two years later and Black Trans Women’s lives are still not VALUED. In 1999, I witnessed my best friend get murdered in the streets of Miami. Sadly, since her murder, I’ve lost many more friends due to senseless violence. Here we are in 2021, it’s my daughter Kimmy. There’s one thing that remains the same: law enforcement, state officials and local politicians have no sense of urgency to address this growing epidemic. Please help us!”
- Tatiana Braxton Alexus’s Mother
Alexus was a hairstylist. She loved spending with friends and talked about the obstacles she had overcome in her life. A recent post stated, “they can’t stop my shine.” Family and friends held a balloon release to honor Alexus’s life and have been remembering her on social media, with one saying “I’m beyond devastated.”
Chyna Carrillo she/her
"This is my niece Chyna. My lovely magical mermaid. One of my favorite people in the world. I will miss everything about her...I don’t have the words to express how my heart feels right now. May you rest in power my beautiful mermaid. May the light of our ancestors guide you to a better place." - Mayra Carrillo Chyna’s Aunt
Family and friends are remembering the late certified nursing aide, who moved from Springdale, Arkansas to the New Castle, Pennsylvania-adjacent community in April 2020 to work at a nursing home care facility hit hard by COVID-19 early in the pandemic.
Jeffrey “JJ” Bright he/him
“JJ is a part of our PRISM family...JJ was a beautiful person with the biggest and brightest smile. We will miss your laugh. We will miss your jokes. You will never be forgotten. Fly high, JJ.”
- Statement from P.R.I.S.M. Jeffrey was a student at Ambridge High School in Ambridge, Pa. Jeffrey was active in P.R.I.S.M. (Pride. Respect. Inspiration. Safety. Mentoring.), a local non-profit outreach organization for the LGBTQ+ youth of Beaver County, PA.
Jasmine Cannady she/her
they/them
“Don’t let anyone bring you down. Don’t let people tell you can’t do anything in life. You mean something.” - Jasmine Cannady Jeffrey “JJ” Bright, a 16-year-old transgender boy, and Jasmine Cannady, a 22-year-old nonbinary person were siblings. Jasmine occasionally attended PRISM with Jeffrey and also participated in a summer program there several years ago. Jasmine worked at FedEx, had an artistic soul, loved to dance, and cared deeply for their friends.
Jenna Franks she/her
"If anything ever happens to me, just know that it was not an accident."
- Jenna Franks Jenna was an active part of the LGBTQ community in her area, namely the Onslow County LGBTQ+ Community Center. She was described as a “beautiful soul” and a “breath of fresh air” by Center director Dennis Biancuzzo.
Diamond Kyree Sanders she/her
"Diamond was a ball of energy as a child and even up to her time of death. She valued her family and enjoyed spending time with them... At the last family Thanksgiving dinner, Diamond let her family know she was thankful that they accepted her for who she was as transgender.
Sanders Family Diamond studied at The Ohio State University and had recently been working at Nordstrom. Diamond was a traveler, known to be in New York City one week and New Orleans the following week. Sanders was really into fashion. She always coordinated her attire from head to toe, including matching hair and nails. She was known to say, “I have to be cute, honey!”
Rayanna Pardo she/her
Before she was killed she called to talk to me and just before she hung up she said, momma if anything happens to me tonight just want to tell you that I LOVE YOU.” - Monique Rangel Rayanna’s Mother
“We are mourning the loss of our sister Rayanna Pardo. This is just another example of the societal injustices that our community experiences. If she had the services and support that she needed, I’m sure instead of being dead she would have been thriving as the young beautiful woman that she was, but here we are... Rayanna was such a beautiful young person who just wanted to live her life and be herself.”
Bamby Salcedo Trans Latin@ Coalition President
Jaida Peterson she/her
“You are going to be truly missed and once again we love you always.” “She was always full of life. She the person who lift the room up. She turn your sad face into a happy face.” Veronica White Jaida’s Sister
Dominique Lucious she/her
“Many don’t get to live in their authentic truth. You were fierce, glam, and hunny gorgeous! I love you now, tomorrow and forever.”
- Friend Dominique was born in St. Louis, Missouri and most recently lived in Springfield, Missouri. She went to the St. Louis Job Corp Center and was a fan of the show Empire. On social media, many of Dominique’s friends expressed their love for her and how much she will be missed.
Remy Fennell she/her
“She was a vibrant young transgender woman who was just trying to make it & was doing it. She started her own business, graduated from cosmetology school… She has left her mark on the hair industry. Don’t be ashamed of a family member or friend just because they identify themselves [differently], just hold them & tell them it’s okay. Families we got to do better.”
Remy’s Aunt Remy was a hair stylist who owned her own business, Bosskreations. Friends and family have also been sharing their shock and sadness on social media, with one sharing, “this can’t be real,” and another saying, “this is unbelievable.”
Tiara Banks she/her
Howard Brown Health mourns the death of Tiara Banks, a member of our community who was killed in the West Pullman neighborhood in Chicago on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. We are experiencing an epidemic of anti-trans violence, especially violence against Black transgender women, that has been at crisis levels for far too long in this country. We are seeing this epidemic of transgender hate reflected in the surge of anti-trans legislation introduced in states across the country, and we are feeling the effects of anti-trans hate in the loss of yet another member of the transgender community here in Chicago. We must continue to fight against systemic transphobia and racism that is stealing the lives of our transgender siblings.
Natalia Smut she/her
“My sister was amazing. She was the strongest, most beautiful, and courageous person I know, and now we all have to live without that light in the world."
Vanessa Singh Natalia's Sister
Natalia was a celebrated drag artist in the San Jose LGBTQ community with community members describing her as a “motivating and creative spirit" with "captivating performances" and a "love for advocacy within the community.” Friends and community members organized a vigil for Natalia at San Jose City Hall, with more than 100 people attending.
Iris Santos she/her
“Iris was always full of life and joy. She could always make anyone laugh even if they were upset or angry. She wanted her death to be a celebration of life.”
Louvier Santos "It is incredibly tragic and disheartening to continue to witness senseless and vicious attacks against our community. Iris was so young with so many things to look forward to. Iris was simply minding her own business, sitting and eating when her life was abruptly cut short.”
Tori Cooper HRC Director of Community Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative
Tiffany Thomas she/her
“I am saddened to learn of another senseless murder of a member of our LGBTQ+ community in the Dallas area. Though there are still questions surrounding all the details of their death, regardless of how they identified no one deserves to have their life cut short in this way. My heart goes out to their family and friends as they mourn the death of their loved one, and I hope and pray that they receive the justice and peace they deserve. As an entire Dallas community, we have to do better!”
Naomi Green Abounding Prosperity in Dallas
Tiffany was originally from Fort Worth, Texas and relocated to Mansfield, Texas. Tiffany is being remembered by friends and family as someone who loved family and who had a “big heart.” Others shared that Tiffany was “funny,” someone who “stayed laughing” and who was stylish.
Keri Washington she/her
"The murder of Keri Washington is shocking and horrific," Beckman said. "We must stand together against senseless acts of violence. Ignorance of a person's humanity breeds hate."
Kathleen Beckman Clearwater City Councilmember
Several friends have said Keri also went by the nickname “Bobo.” “Rest easy Keri Washington aka Bobo we love U,” said one friend. “Bobo was the real deal slay queen,” said another. "We are deeply saddened by this news, which comes so close to home," Metro Inclusive Health wrote. "Our hearts are with the trans community, and our support groups are here for you if you need a space to mourn. We also ask our readers to take a moment with us to honor Keri's memory... She will be missed."
Jahaira DeAlto she/her “I am the mother who raised the children whose rainbow sparkled too brightly and blinded their birth moms. I cherished what they discarded. I took on earthly assignments for the moms who’d earned their Heavenly reward. For their babies who still needed raising. I did that. And I’m still doing that. And I’ll keep doing that. Because I will never know what seeing my DNA reflected in another’s eyes could look like, but I know what gratitude in the eyes of a young person who finally feels seen looks like. And for me, that’s enough.”
Jahaira DeAlto DeAlto graduated from Berkshire Community College in 2019, began studying at Simmons University, and spoke to audiences at the Ryan White Conference on HIV/AIDS, Harvard University, and Columbia University. Jahaira was a well-known and beloved transgender advocate, advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual violence and member of the ballroom community in the Boston area. She was a member of the House of Balenciaga, and was a founder of Berkshire Transgender Day of Remembrance and Berkshire Pride Festival.
Whispering
Wind Bear Spirit they/them
"I’ve picked out a beautiful Native American urn with a white bear spirit on it. I will be creating a memorial place for her at our cabin, appropriately named the bear house by Sadie. They will finally have a permanent and peaceful home with us."
Tammy Family Member
Whispering Wind, who described themself on their social media as “Shawnee by birth and Potawatomi by relations,” often shared photos of meaningful quotes. Friends and family are remembering them, with one sharing “you are missed” and another remembering Whispering Wind as “a beautiful and kind soul.”
Sophie Vásquez she/her
“Ya basta de matarnos, nosotres no le hacemos nada a nadie, cuando lo único que hemos hecho es sobrevivir y resistir lo que la sociedad nos ha impuesto. Sobrevivir en esta sociedad ha sido tan racista y discriminatorio, esto no es trans fobia - por qué no, no nos tienen miedo esto es trans odio. Por lo tanto demandamos justicia para Sophie, y trabajaremos para que su muerte no quede impune. Stop killing us, we are not hurting anyone, the only thing we are doing is surviving, which is something that society imposed on us. Surviving in this very racist and discriminatory society. Why [do they have] phobia? They don’t have phobia, this is not transphobia, this is [just] trans hate.” Sophie was a part of the EsTr (El / La) Community, or Community Estrella, a community that works to support transgender people in the Atlanta area. Friends and family are also remembering Sophie, with one sharing that Sophie was “the kindest person on the planet.” Another said, “I will never forget your bright personality. You were truly beautiful inside and out. I can’t tell you how many times you lit up the whole room and made us laugh until we cried.”
Danika “Danny” Henson she/her
“Please pray for me.” Danika “Danny” Henson Danika “Danny” Henson, who also went by Pryynce Daniel and Niia Da Don, a 31-year-old Black transgender woman. Henson also may have identified as genderfluid. “I’m still emotional, but I’m trying to hold it together,” Danny’s brother Michael Henson said. Fighting back the tears, He reflected on the agonizing day he found out his sibling was gone. "The injustices that we’re facing in our own backyard is horrendous,” said LGBTQ activist Iya Gammons, who is with Baltimore Safe Haven. “We are dying at an alarming rate.”
Serenity Hollis she/her
“This was not the first time that something like this has happened to them."
Sara Sister
Serenity was born in Orlando, Florida then moved to Birmingham and relocated to Albany in 2019. She recently celebrated her birthday on February 24. She had just moved into her first apartment in December and later that month started working at Sanderson Farms. Serenity’s mother Robyn Osberry said that “the person that’s responsible has no idea what they took from us...I absolutely want to see that justice is served.”
Oliver “Ollie” Taylor he/him
"Ollie is such an amazing child with a quirky sense of humor, who impacted so many people, and we will miss him terribly as we try to move forward, but we are comforted by the knowledge that we will be with her again someday. It is his desire that as people move through the grieving process, that they do not allow their hearts to dwell on thoughts of anger, but to channel that time and energy into helping those around you.”
Taylor Family Oliver, nickname Ollie, was a student at Gervais High School, where he was involved in several activities, including the Gervais Future Farmers of America organization. Taylor loved animals, music, art. The high school held a vigil to remember Oliver on May 20. Oliver is being remembered by family as “an amazing child with a quirky sense of humor, who impacted so many people.
Thomas Hardin she/her he/him
“I just kept telling Thomas it’s not safe. You know you can come home at night. But he always said no."
Chimere Hicks Friend
Thomas Hardin was 35-years-old and described by those who knew her as an affable wisecracker. Friends have shared that Hardin identified as a woman, continued to use the name Thomas and used both he and she pronouns. Friends are remembering Hardin as someone who “always kept you laughing.”
Poe Black he/him
"Rest in power, Poe. Your work on all things social justice from an intersectional lens, your creativity, and your brutal self reflection on your own life, disabilities, and experiences have left deep impressions on everyone around you. I am so sorry we repeatedly failed you. I hope you can forgive us. May your memory be a revolution."
Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents
Poe identified as mixed Indigenous (part of the Wyandotte Nation) and also used the names Oliver Jackson and Legion. He was originally from Nashville, Tennessee. Poe often posted about disability rights and Black Lives Matter. He was also an artist, with several online stores where he displayed and sold his art.
Novaa Ru Watson aka EJ Boykin he/him
“He was loved and like[d] by everyone. He was one of those people that was just good vibes and energy.” Torri Chippe Friend
EJ was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland but recently lived in Lynchburg. EJ was studying at Morgan State University. EJ was the parent of a young child. EJ just celebrated his 23rd birthday on June 10.
Aidelen Evans she/her
“This is heartbreaking… Nobody — no parent should have to go through this. You will always be in my heart.”
Lois Balka
Grandmother
Aidelen, who was originally from Beaumont, Texas, had recently spent time in Port Arthur, Beaumont and Houston. She was experiencing homelessness at the time.
Taya Ashton she/her
“At just 20 years young, Taya Ashton was just beginning her life. It is disheartening to see the life of another Black transgender woman stolen from us too early and without any reasonable explanation.”
David Johns National Black Justice Coalition
Ashton’s friends, family, and community leaders held a vigil to honor her at River Terrace Park in D.C. She had grown up in the surrounding neighborhood. More than 200 people attended. Budd, Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy, D.C. Council member Trayon White, and LGBTQ+ activist Phil Pannell all spoke at the event, in addition to Ashton’s friends and relatives. Afterward, attendees drove in a caravan to Ashton’s apartment building in Suitland. The nearby streets were completely filled with people coming out for Taya and her family.
Shai Vanderpump she/her
“Shai was a well-known LGBTQ advocate in New Jersey, and her loss will be felt by her friends, family and local community, as well as the wider LGBTQ community. Her life should never have been taken.
Tori Cooper HRC Transgender Justice
Shai was known for her “style [and] love of family,” as someone who had a “heart of gold” and who “loved to dress, smile and see everyone happy and smiling.” Friends and family are also remembering Shai with an outpouring of messages such as “this one hits home” and “I’ll always love you.” One family member shared, “you mean so much to so many people… such a beautiful person.”
Tierramarie Lewis she/her
"The Center once received a shipment of donated shoes, and Lewis had claimed a pair of heels. But when another woman said that she had never worn heels before, Lewis said, 'Girl, you can have them. You’ve never walked in heels before. I have.' ”
Tamika "Devinity" Jones LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland
Tierramarie had moved to Cleveland in 2020 in the hopes that organizations, like Trans Wellness, could help her leave sex work and recover from addiction. Trans Wellness included a social support network and access to employment resources, food, bus tickets, medication, and other necessities that can be difficult for unhoused or otherwise low income trans people to obtain. Lewis herself struggled with housing insecurity, and even when she was able to secure shelter, she was often misgendered and disrespected by shelter staff.
CoCo Chanel "Miss CoCo" Wortham she/her
“[Coco was] a giving and kind person who never said no to anyone.”
Dymond Rocke Friend
Miss CoCo was frequently in encampment areas of downtown Dallas with others who experienced homelessness. She was described as “a well-known small girl with a big, bubbly personality. CoCo was a happy person [and] proud to be living her truth!” Miss CoCo was originally from Kansas City, Kansas and was a “master cosmetologist.” She was born March 31, 1977, and was preceded in death by her parents. She is much loved by her sister and her friends and will be dearly missed.
Pooh Johnson she/her
"Listen I don’t care how many times you gotta keep trying to do it. If you love it, KEEP TRYING! NEVER STOP! Consistency will get you there! No matter what anybody says about you, let your passion be your drive...there’s always room to learn & grow. Even the greats are still learning. Don’t be afraid to ask for help because I was at first...The moment i put my pride down I immediately saw MAJOR differences. I said all this to say I’m DAMN PROUD of myself and if I can come this far in just a few months, you can too! faith without work is dead & nothing truly worth it comes easy so if you even just start TODAY, imagine where you’ll be next year! I know I can’t wait to see where I'll be."
Pooh Johnson Johnson was an accomplished makeup artist who went by the name Titanizer on social media.
Disaya Monaee Smith she/her
"I'm gonna miss you calling and video calling me every day and in the end always saying I love you Ma."
Latrina Banks Mother
Disaya was a hairstylist and recently begun learning how to do makeup. Among Smith's favorite activities were hanging out with family and friends, traveling, cooking, talking on the phone and dancing. D'isaya was happy, outgoing, and well loved. “She loved to dress, she loved to party, she loved to cook, she loved to do her hair, she loved to take care of people,” she said. “She’s been like that ever since she was little.”
Briana Hamilton she/her
“Brianna was an amazing person who touched so many people’s hearts with her presence and her memory will forever live on. #TRANSLIVESMATTER”
Ronda Ulmer Mother
“Her social media feed is filled with affirmative self-love content as well as observations on culture, fashion, and society...Her vibrancy is palpable,” Pgh Lesbian Correspondents reported. Brave Space Alliance, a Black-run, trans-run Chicago community center, mourned her, writing “Rest in power my luv.” Tori Cooper of the Human Rights Campaign issued a statement: “Black trans lives matter, and we need urgent action to end this epidemic of violence.”
Kiér Laprí Kartier she/her
“Kier was very loved and loved a lot of people." Arnitra Robinson Mother
Kartier was from Dallas, Texas and graduated from Skyline High School. Her friends remembered her as a “very strong, independent person” who “always had my back through thick and thin.” Friend Kenya Kartier added, “First time seeing her, I was like, she’s so beautiful. She was fresh in her transition. I wanted to be her trans mother. I wanted to teach her.”
Mel Groves he/him
“Life is a gift and so are chances worth taking.”
Mel Groves Groves was also an active member of The Knights & Orchids Society (TKO), “a southern centered grassroots startup founded and led by black, queer, transgender, and gender non-conforming people supporting gender justice and LGBTQ visibility.” TKO shared that Groves was a former TKO youth ambassador, the chosen family of TKO Executive Director Quentin Bell, and a farmer for TKO Society’s garden program.
Royal Poetical Starz she/her
“Her final accomplishment was becoming her true self and becoming the person in his heart that she always wanted to be. [Starz] did more in her life than more of us will ever do."
Starz was a vibrant, charismatic young singer who always sought to see the good in those around her. The Florida Career College Vocational School graduate always “left a lasting impression on everyone that she met.” Starz blossomed as she and her friends banded together to form a singing trio. Nights were spent belting out the songs that, unbeknownst to her friends, would later become her “legacy”.
Zoella “Zoey” Rose Martinez she/her
“Zoey loved hanging out with friends and spending time with her dogs. Zoey mastered makeup that accentuated her loving and caring personality. Zoey was the caretaker of her mother after her mother survived COVID but was in recovery. Zoey loved helping out around the family farm. Zoey had a beautiful spirit, she always had a smile and had only kind words to say about others. Zoey was a born leader and her peers acknowledged her as such. Her character was that she would debate endlessly for what she thought was right. She was very witty.”
Martinez Family
Zoella Rose Martinez was a 20-year-old known by her friends as Zo Zo or Zoey. “[Zoella's family] proudly stood by their daughter through her transition and will continue to do so,” Diversity Alliance of the Puget Sound, a trans advocacy group based in Tacoma, reported.
Jo Acker she/her
“We have had people messaging us to tell us how she helped them, how she saved them, and we are so thankful for the love and support we are receiving. Jo will be greatly missed."
Karyn Kennedy Sister
A Taekwondo instructor, Acker always sought to make those in her life feel safe and loved – but was never afraid to come back with a “snarky comeback” every now and then. Acker’s loved ones say they want her passing to be a moment of love, not tragedy. Acker is survived by her three-year-old daughter, Everay.
Jessi Hart she/her
"Imperfectly perfect, flawed with flawless love, I have seen the depths of sorrow, I have felt the heights of happiness that most dream about. I am the constant, I am a force some strive to restrain, some try to harness, the rest try to emulate. I am valuable to those who know me, and the few who dont want me to feel worthless. I can survive alone, but I feel I’m barely hanging on."
Jessi Hart Jessi struggled with housing insecurity and she, along with her teenage son, Caleb, had been sleeping in her car. Through the assistance of a local nonprofit, both Hart and her son had started living in another hotel in early July. Hart said she lost her construction company and her house when she transitioned. Her relationship with her family was also strained. She had a beautiful relationship with her son.
Rikkey Outumuro "Tru Starlet" she/her
“I’ve known her since she was little. She was best friends with my thengirlfriend’s daughter. They would go to the neighborhood food co-op and play ‘dress up drag queen’ near the free box to the delight of co-op members, often doing little drag shows.”
Anna Schlecht Former Chair of Capital City Pride
Rikkey performed under the drag name Tru Starlet and was a former Miss Gay Lewis County. Friends remembered her, one writing that she was “an incredible advocate for the queer and trans community for nearly 20 years...She focused much of her time organizing and sharing her fire and wisdom with the students at Centralia College. She was always profoundly herself and a brilliant light for countless loved ones and folx in Centralia and Olympia, WA.”
Marquiisha Lawrence she/her
“Marquiisha ‘Quii’ Lawrence, like so many who have gone before her, fell victim to a senseless murder. Quii was a young trans woman, at the beginning of this game called life, as WE know it in the trans community,” Eboni Sinclaire, Lawrence’s trans mother, said, according to the Human Rights Campaign. Sinclaire said that Lawrence was a free thinker who was loved by many. “She will forever be remembered by her infectious smile and her heart of gold. Her favorite thing to do was to cook because she felt it filled the belly and fed the heart,” Sinclaire said. “One of our last conversations she said to me, ‘I've not always been the best I could be, but thank you for caring enough to still be here for me.'"
Marquiisha grew up in South Carolina where she graduated high school and studied cosmetology in nearby Spartanburg. She supported herself by working as a cook, a residential aid, and as a dancer. Marquiisha’s family held a balloon release for her.
Jenny De Leon she/her
“Jenny was such a fun-spirited and stubborn young woman who never let anything get in her way. Although I had not had communication with her in a few years, I am deeply saddened by this news. My heart aches for every single person we have lost this year and the years prior but this has to stop.”
Lucas Aiden Wehle Equality Florida
Jenny De Leon was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. She grew up in in Town ‘n Country, Florida and most recently moved to Tampa. Jenny was 25-yearsold and in her sister’s words “beginning her life as Jenny.” De Leon attended PFLAG Tampa meetings and sought their help when she began transitioning. The organization wrote that “Jenny was an enigmatic, bright soul with enough energy to fill any room.”
Angel Naira she/her
“What a Beautiful soul so outgoing and you definitely embraced your inner self taught me a lot about loving your self and never being afraid to be you no matter what anyone says.”
Friend Angel Naira, a 36-year-old Black transgender woman who was described as “a great person” and well loved by her family and friends. Naira was a graduate of Aliquippa High School and Beaver Falls Beauty Academy and worked full time in home health care. Nairia’s brotherwrote that she was “a great person and loved everyone. She had a big heart and would do anything for her family and friends.” A friend described Naira as “fearless and fabulous” and said that she “always had a smile on [her] face.”
Resources
Black Line: www.callblackline.com/ Phone: 1-800-604-5841 Brave Space at the Center: www.thecentersd.org/center/brave-space Gender Advocacy Project: www.genderadvocacyproject.org
Hillcrest Youth Center: www.thecentersd.org/programs/youthservices/hillcrest-youth-center House of Resilience: www.horsd.org Mx. Mendoza: www.mxmendoza.com PFLAG San Diego: www.pflag.com
Resources
Project Trans at The Center: www.thecentersd.org/programs/ transgender-services Proyecto Trans Latina: www.facebook.com/proyectotranslatina San Diego Black LGBTQ Coalition: www.sdblackcoalition.org San Diego Pride: www.sdpride.org Strong Hearted Native Women’s Coalition: www.strongheartednativewomen.org TransFamily Support Services: www.transfamilysos.org Unicorn Homes: www.ncresourcecenter.org/unicorn-homes
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