Trigger Warning: This blog will be discussing topics that might be very upsetting, such as gun violence, death, and transphobia. Specifically, it will be acknowledging trans people who have been victims of fatal, violent assault.
In 2020, we have seen at least 40 transgender or gender nonconforming people fatally shot or killed by other violent means. These victims are not just statistics. They were real people who deserved dignity, respect, life, and love. This is the last of two blogs that will be used to recognize these beautiful lives that we lost this year.
Shaki Peters, a 32-year-old woman, was killed in Amite City, Louisiana on July 1st. Shaki was grossly misgendered in reports following her death, as many transgender victims of violence are. She was a performance artist and a community organizer and activist. A friend of Shaki’s tells PEOPLE that she had “long-lived” her life as a woman; she was “consistently laughing, consistently joking, the first person to get up and dance.” Nathalie Nia Faulk says, “Shakie would provide moments of joy and laughter that sustained us…Whenever you’re facing the systemic issues we face as black people, that triple identity of being a black, trans woman, it’s easy to just give up or not want to get out of bed, but you never saw Shakie do that…She definitely was an inspiration in how she navigated life.”
Bree Black, a 27-year-old woman, was shot to death in Pompano Beach, Florida on July 3rd. According to reports, Bree’s family is not comfortable speaking to the media due to threats they have received as a result of the investigation going public, but are grateful for the work being done to help find her killer. Activists and protesters set up a vigil to honor her life and demand justice for her death.
Marilyn Cazares, a 22-year-old woman, was found dead in an abandoned building in Brawley, California in July. Her aunt, Mindy Garcia, said she “loved to sing and dance” and “never bothered anyone.” She was known in her community for her colorful clothing and is described as being brave and outspoken. Her cousin reflected on a memory of Marilyn “jamming out to Billie Jean like the badass queen she was” while they were taking a car ride together.
Dior H. Ova/Tiffany Harris, a 32-year-old woman, was stabbed to death in the Bronx, New York on July 26th. According to Facebook, she loved fashion, listing her career as a personal shopper, and posting photos with the luxury brands she loved. She was an avid viewer of television dramas such as Desperate Housewives, Nip/Tuck, and Sex in the City.
Queasha D. Hardy, a 22-year-old woman, was killed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on July 27th. Queasha was a hairstylist, and she was extremely loved by her community. Loved ones describe her as loyal, loving, “always smiling,””the life of all parties,” and “truly one of a kind.”
Aja Raquell Rhone-Spears, a 32-year-old woman who also used the name Rocky Rhone, was fatally stabbed in Portland, Oregon while attending a vigil for Tyrell Penney, who had been shot to death. Aja was very close to her family, frequently posting pictures with them and making playful statuses related to the conversations they had. She advocated against racial injustice and police violence.
Lea Rayshon Daye, a 28-year-old woman, died in Cuyahoga County Jail in Cleveland, Ohio on August 30th. Not much is known about her family, but we can comfortably assume she was loved and cared for by many. Her death was unacceptable and can be attributed to increased risk factors, such as homelessness, racism, sexism, and transphobia.
Kee Sam, a 24-year-old woman,was shot at a hotel on August 12th and trasported to a hospital, where she passed away the next day from her injuries. Friends have been commenting heartfelt messages on her Instagram page including, “this can’t be real,” “I will miss you…you know you in my heart forever,” and “rest in love.”
Aerrion Burnett, a 37-year-old woman, was shot to death in Independence, Missouri on September 19th. Her friend Kelly shared, “…if you wanted to have a good day, you need to smile, Aerrion was the person you wanted by your side.” Her family members have called for justice saying, “Enough is enough. Stop taking our lives. Lives matter. You can’t get them back, and it hurts so many people.”
Mia Green, a 29-year-old woman, was killed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 28th. One friend shared on social media, “Her smile was so perfect and so contagious. She made me laugh.” Another said, “She was such a sweet spirit.” Her loved ones have called her death “heartbreaking” and are demanding justice.
Michelle Michellyn Ramos Vargas, a 33-year-old woman, was killed in San German, Puerto Rico on September 30th. She was studying to become a nurse at Ponce Paramedical College.
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Felycya Harris, a 33-year-old woman, was killed in Augusta, Georgia in October. She was an interior decorator who ran her own company. She enjoyed lending her eye to improve the surroundings of others and loved to help others feel more comfortable in their own space. A friend remembers her “laugh. The smile–the smiles. The talks. The arguments. The attitudes. Everybody is going to remember who Felycya Harris is.” They say she had a brilliant sense of humor and was full of life.
Brooklyn Deshuna, a 20-year-old woman, killed by a fatal gunshot wound on October 7th in Shreveport, Louisiana. She attended Bossier Parish Community College where she studied cosmetology. One friend said, “She was genuinely a good person.” Another saying, “…you didn’t deserve this…I’m heartbroken.”
Sara Blackwood, a 39-year-old woman, was shot while walking home in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 11th and died not long after being transported to the hospital. She enjoyed playing video games, and she was a fan of the show “My Little Pony,” sharing many images, art, and memes from the show on social media. Her loved ones describe the loss as devastating.
Angel Unique, a 25-year-old woman, was killed in Memphis, Tennessee on October 25th. She was a licensed cosmetologist and was loved by her community. Friends and family remember her for being “very funny, very nice to everybody she met” and “such a bright person with a positive spirit.”
Skylar Heath, a 20-year-old woman, was killed on November 4th in Miami Florida. Loved ones describe her as a “kind and gentle soul” who “had such a love for family and close friends.” She had a warm personality, a friendly spirit, and the ability to bring those who knew her so much joy.
Yunieski Carey Herrera, a 39-year-old woman who was also known as Yuni Carey, was killed in Miami, Florida on November 17th. She was a well-known model, performer, dancer, and activist. She was loved by the LGBTQ+ community in Miami. A friend says, “…besides strikingly beautiful, she was king and she was good.”
Asia Jynae Foster, a 22-year-old woman, was killed in Houston, Texas on November 20th, which is Trans Day of Remembrance, a day taken to honor those in the community who lost their lives to violence. She was described by her close friends as a “beacon of light in their community.”
Chae’Meshia Simms, a 33-year-old woman who also used the nickname ChaeChae, was killed on November 23rd in Richmond, Virginia. She was especially close with her family and friends. They remembered her on social media as being a good, kind, and caring person.
Kimberly Fial, a 55-year-old woman, was killed on November 22nd in San Jose, California at the homeless shelter she volunteered at. Friends say, she had the ability to draw a laugh out of people around her and was a kind, lovable person with “a twinkle in her eyes.” The shelter manager said, “My heart always felt warm when I saw her when I got into the building.”
These people had friends, families, and partners, and they were valued members of their communities. They had jobs, were enrolled in school, and attended houses of worship. They were human beings. As we mourn those lost in 2020, we must continue to work towards justice and equality for transgender and gender non-conforming people.
