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    A transgender pride flag, which from top-to-bottom has horizontal stripes in light blue, light pink, white, light pink, and light blue. The flag waves in front of a background of blue sky and white clouds.
    LGBTQ+ Stories

    On Transgender Day of Remembrance, We Remember Those Taken by Violence

    11.20.2024

      On Transgender Day of Remembrance, November 20, we say the names of the 33 trans, non-binary, gender-expansive, and gender non-conforming people who have been killed in the last year. Twenty-one have been killed with a gun. These numbers likely represent an undercount, as many trans victims of violence are deadnamed, misgendered, or go unreported. 

      Lawmakers across the country are weakening gun safety laws and pushing legislation targeting trans people. Past research has demonstrated that transgender and gender-expansive people face higher rates of violence than their cis-gender peers. Research by Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund reveals that trans folks are too often subjected to gun violence, while already navigating discriminatory criminal-legal, employment, housing, and healthcare institutions. 

      Today, we honor and say the names of those taken by violence since last year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance.

      Note: Amiri Jean Reid and Kejuan Richardson were killed on Nov. 14, 2023, ahead of the Nov. 20 Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR). They are honored in this blog because reporting surrounding their deaths surfaced after the 2023 TDOR.

      Amiri Jean Reid, a Black trans woman, takes a selfie. She is wearing a brown plaid collared shirt and is holding her right hand against her shoulder-length hair, which is parted down the middle.

      Amiri Jean Reid

      • November 14, 2023
        Toledo, Ohio

        Amiri Jean Reid, a Black trans woman, was shot and killed on November 14, 2023, while driving in Toledo, Ohio. She was known for her “ribald sense of humor” and for “enjoying word play.” Her best friend, Kejuan Richardson, was shot and killed in the same incident.
      Kejuan Richardson, a Black gender-nonconforming man, poses for a photo. Kejuan is leaning against a teal blue wall; Kejuan has long hair pulled over his right shoulder and held back from his forehead by an orange bandana.

      Kejuan Richardson

      • November 14, 2023
        Toledo, Ohio

        Kejuan Richardson, a Black gay gender-nonconforming man, was shot and killed on November 14, 2023, while driving in Toledo, Ohio. Kejuan was remembered as a “very talented” person who “loved to sing.” Loved ones said he was “a lovable person” and “the life of the party” who “will truly be missed, loved, and cherished by all who knew him.” His best friend, Amiri Jean Reid, was shot and killed in the same incident.
      Savannah Ryan Williams, a Cuban and Native trans woman, poses for a photo. She wears black pants, a white t-shirt, and a blush-pink unzippered hoodie over the t-shirt. Her long black hair is pulled back with a pink tie-wrap headband.

      Savannah Ryan Williams

      • November 29, 2023
        Minneapolis, Minnesota

        Savannah Ryan Williams, a Cuban and Native trans woman, was shot and killed on November 29, 2023, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her partner said she was a “loving, caring person.” Others remember her as “filled with generosity” and “willing to give of whatever she had to help others.”
      Amber Minor, a Black trans woman, smiles for a photo. Her left hand is propped on her hip, and she is wearing a gold bracelet on that wrist. She wears a navy blue scoop-neck t-shirt and her long black hair is pulled over her left shoulder.

      Amber Minor

      • December 24, 2023
        Raytown, Missouri

        Amber Minor, a Black trans woman, was shot and killed on December 24, 2023, in Raytown, Missouri. She was described as a “warrior,” whose personality could “‘shed light’ on otherwise dark situations.”
      Meghan Riley Lewis, a white trans woman, smiles for a selfie. She has shoulder-length curly blond hair and wears red cat-eye glasses.

      Meghan Riley Lewis

      • December 27, 2023
        Bel Air, Maryland

        Meghan Riley Lewis, a white trans woman, was shot and killed on December 27, 2023, in Bel Air, Maryland. She was “a fixture in the community” remembered for “devoting her life to feeding hungry and unhoused queer people.”
      Kitty Monroe, a Latine trans person, poses for a photo in front of a brick wall and a window. Kitty wears a white sleeveless top and a metallic necktie; their long, wavy black hair is pulled into a half-up, half-down style.

      Kitty Monroe

      • January 1, 2024
        Phoenix, Arizona

        Kitty Monroe, a Latine trans person, was killed on January 1, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona. Kitty was “very protective, loving,” and “would do the most to just make you feel comfortable.”
      Sasha Williams, a multiracial trans woman, gives a soft smile to the camera while taking a selfie. Her long dark hair is wavy and pulled into a high ponytail with a rainbow leopard-print scrunchy. She is wearing a white tank top and has a lacy neck tattoo covering her throat and her upper chest.

      Sasha Williams

      • January 26, 2024
        Las Vegas, Nevada

        Sasha Williams, a multiracial trans woman, was killed on January 26, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was described as a “selfless artist” who had a “heart of gold.” Sasha had “dreamed of being a performer in Las Vegas.”
      África Parrilla García, a Latina trans woman, sits on a brown sofa and appears to be talking to someone. She has tattoos around her collarbone and on her upper left shoulder. She wears a white tank top and has her dark hair pulled into a high bun.

      África Parrilla García

      • February 2, 2024
        San Juan, Puerto Rico

        África Parrilla García, a Latina trans woman, was shot and killed on February 2, 2024, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Few personal details were readily available about África, but friends emphasized that she was “loved.”
      Reyna Hernandez, a Latina trans woman, poses for a selfie; her lips are slightly pursed. She wears her long wavy red hair in a high ponytail and has bangs that frame her face. She is wearing a red sweatshirt with a single white vertical stripe on the sleeve; she also wears hot pink lipstick.

      Reyna Hernandez

      • February 26, 2024
        Renton, Washington

        Reyna Hernandez, a Latina trans woman, was shot and killed on February 26, 2024, in Renton, Washington. She owned her own hair salon, “the fulfillment of a childhood dream.” Her family and friends described her as a “dreamer” who was “hard-working and kind,” and as a “happy, loving person.”
      Righteous Torrence

      Righteous Torrence “TK” “Chevy” Hill

      • February 28, 2024
        East Point, Georgia

        Righteous Torrence “TK” “Chevy” Hill, a Black trans man, was shot and killed on February 28, 2024, in East Point, Georgia. He “used his presence as a community leader to push for LGBTQ+ inclusion.” He owned a hair salon “dedicated to serving the LGBTQIA+ community” that specialized in “hair, nails, barbering, and makeup.”
      Diamond Brigman, a Black trans woman, holds her phone with both hands as she takes a photo in a mirror. She is wearing chunky gold rings on each hand; her hair is long, curly, and parted down the middle.

      Diamond Brigman

      • March 16, 2024
        Houston, Texas

        Diamond Brigman, a Black trans woman, was shot and killed on March 16, 2024, in Houston, Texas. Diamond’s friend said “she had a lot of energy and was always smiling and personable,” calling her “larger than life.”
      Alex Franco, a trans man, stands with his body facing the camera and his face turned at a profile angle. He wears a black long-sleeved shirt and a metal necklace with what appears to be a gold coin hanging from it. His hair is cropped to around his ears and is curly.

      Alex Franco

      • March 18, 2024
        Taylorsville, Utah

        Alex Franco, a trans man, was shot and killed on March 18, 2024, in Taylorsville, Utah. Alex was remembered as someone who “was funny, a protector, and had a heart of gold.” Loved ones said he “loved and protected his siblings with every fiber in his soul” and that he “loved with no conditions or any bounds.”
      Meraxes Medina, a Latina trans woman, poses for a photo in front of a dark green foliage background. She wears bright eye shadow and her hair is red-orange and parted down the middle. She holds a waffle cone in her right hand and is wearing a grey t-shirt with a Land Rover logo and a metal choker necklace.

      Meraxes Medina

      • March 21, 2024
        Los Angeles, California

        Meraxes Medina, a Latina trans woman, was shot and killed on March 21, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. Meraxes was a makeup artist. She “enjoyed shopping and watching the Jurassic Park movie series.” 
      A transgender pride flag, which from top-to-bottom has horizontal stripes in light blue, light pink, white, light pink, and light blue. The flag waves in front of a background of blue sky and white clouds.

      Yella (Robert) Clark Jr.

      • April 2, 2024
        Angola, Louisiana

        Yella (Robert) Clark Jr., a Black trans person, was killed on April 2, 2024, in Angola, Louisiana. A person who knew Yella called them a “loyal and trustworthy person.”
      Tee Arnold, a Black trans man, wears a black hat with an oversized brim, a black leather short-sleeve shirt, a white tank top, and black bottoms. He has a white watch on his left wrist and is taking a selfie in the mirror with his phone, which he holds in his left hand. His right hand is in his pocket.

      Tee “Lagend Billons” Arnold

      • April 3, 2024
        Hallandale Beach, Florida

        Tee “Lagend Billons” Arnold, a Black trans man, was shot and killed on April 3, 2024, in Hallandale Beach, Florida. In a tribute post, one of Tee’s friends thanked him for “blessing the world” with his “greatness, laughter, and good energy” and for “showing the world that there is nothing better than being your true authentic self.”
      River Nevaeh Goddard, a white nonbinary person, takes a selfie at a 90-degree angle. River has short brown hair cut to just above their chin. They are wearing a light t-shirt and a necklace with a metal chain and a chunky gemstone.

      River Nevaeh Goddard

      • April 5, 2024
        Stow, Massachusetts

        River Nevaeh Goddard, a white nonbinary person, was killed on April 5, 2024, in Stow, Massachusetts. River, who used they/she pronouns, was just 17 years old. Their loved ones described them as a person with “an amazing, outgoing personality” who was “very creative and artistic.” River “loved to write her own music” and had a “cuddly nature” that “was only matched by her quick wit, and goofiness.”
      Starr Brown, a Black trans woman, is pictured in a close-up image. Her red-orange hair is parted down the middle and hangs below her shoulders. She wears a small gold hoop nose ring in her left nostril and wears thick, dark eyelash extensions.

      Starr Brown

      • April 19, 2024
        Memphis, Tennessee

        Starr Brown, a Black trans woman, was shot and killed on April 19, 2024, in Memphis, Tennessee. Social media posts shared in memory of Starr described her as a “beautiful soul” who “always had uplifting words” and was “TRULY loved.”
      Andrea Doria Dos Passos, a Latina trans woman, poses for a portrait photo. Her long dark hair is parted off to one side and is pushed over her right shoulder. She wears a long, loopy gold necklace and a black tank-top; she has a chunky cork bracelet on her right wrist arm just below her elbow.

      Andrea Doria Dos Passos

      • April 23, 2024
        Miami Beach, Florida

        Andrea Doria Dos Passos, a Latina trans woman, was killed on April 23, 2024, in Miami Beach, Florida. At a vigil, Andrea’s mother said it gave her “so much bliss that she had a community” in the Miami Beach area. Another vigil attendee described Andrea as “our whole world” and as a person who was “just having fun, enjoying the experience and being her authentic self.”
      Kita Bee, a Black trans woman, takes a selfie; her blond hair is cut in a chin-length bob with bangs that hang straight across her forehead. She has bright silver earrings and a light necklace on; she is wearing a dark top.

      Kita Bee

      • May 3, 2024
        Kansas City, Missouri

        Kita Bee, a Black trans woman, was killed on May 3, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri. Kita’s sister described her as “an all-around entertainer” who “loved to sing, dance, perform to make you happy, smile, or laugh.” A local nonprofit called her a “Black Trans Icon” in a social media post and said she “taught several of her fellow trans women how to stay safe and navigate survival and safety.”
      Jazlynn Johnson, a trans woman, poses for a photo in front of a window at night that overlooks a city skyline. Jazlynn wears a black off-the-shoulder top that appears to have a fluffy top hem; her dark hair is parted in the middle and is in loose curls down her back. She is looking over her left shoulder at the camera and wears long silver metal earrings.

      Jazlynn Johnson

      • May 6, 2024
        Las Vegas, Nevada

        Jazlynn Johnson, a trans woman, was shot and killed on May 6, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jazlynn was remembered as “a beloved daughter, sister, and friend,” who “was a dedicated student who excelled in her studies and was set to embark on a new chapter in her life after graduation.” Loved ones said Jazlynn, who was 18, “had dreams of attending cosmetology school” and that she “was a bright and talented young woman with a promising future ahead of her.”
      Tayy

      Tayy “Dior” Thomas

      • May 7, 2024
        Mobile, Alabama

        Tayy “Dior” Thomas, a Black trans girl, was shot and killed on May 7, 2024, in Mobile, Alabama. Tayy Dior’s family described her as “a loving and kind hearted [sic] young adult who was taken too soon.” Her family wrote that the 17-year-old “lived life to the fullest and she was able to live in her truth” and that she “was loved by many.”
      Michelle Henry, a Black trans woman, poses for a photo with pink flowers in front of her and a grey-and-brown planter box behind her. Her hair is plaited in blond braids that reach near her waist; she is slightly bent over and wears a black t-shirt, a purple/pink backpack, and black headphones around her neck.

      Michelle Henry

      • May 15, 2024
        San Francisco, California

        Michelle Henry, a Black trans woman, was killed on May 15, 2024, in San Francisco, California. Her loved ones said that her “closest friends knew her to be a strong, dependable, funny, and a very brave person.” Loved ones said she “truly embodied the principles of existence as resistance” and that she “wasn’t afraid to stand up, even if it meant she was standing by herself.”
      Liara Tsai, a white trans woman, takes a selfie while sitting in a car. Her hair is wavy, red, and cropped to around her chin; she wears red lipstick. She has a metallic moon bangle across her forehead and wears layered necklaces with moon pedants. She wears a black long-sleeve top.

      Liara Tsai

      • June 22, 2024
        Minneapolis, Minnesota

        Liara Tsai, a white trans woman, was killed on June 22, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was a music producer and club DJ, and was a beloved member of the trans community. Liara was also a combat veteran, spoken word artist, and crisis counselor. Friends described Liara as “very uplifting,” an “incredible artist,” and someone with “an incredibly powerful energy.”
      A transgender pride flag, which from top-to-bottom has horizontal stripes in light blue, light pink, white, light pink, and light blue. The flag waves in front of a background of blue sky and white clouds.

      M. Tapia

      • June 23, 2024
        Denver, Colorado

        M. Tapia, a Latina trans woman, was shot and killed on June 23, 2024, in Denver, Colorado. Other details about M. Tapia were not readily available.
      Pauly Likens, a white trans girl, smiles for a photo in front of a green foliage background. Pauly's hair is light and curly; she has bangs, and the rest of it is loose and curls just above her shoulders. She wears a blush pink long-sleeve top that has mesh and floral details on the sleeves.

      Pauly Likens

      • June 23, 2024
        Sharon, Pennsylvania

        Pauly Likens, a white trans girl, was killed on June 23, 2024, in Sharon, Pennsylvania. Pauly, who was 14, was remembered as someone who “lit up every room she entered, always making people smile and passing around her contagious laughter.” Loved ones said she was “a selfless person never missing a chance to help others and give what she could” and that she “loved all of her pets, all of her friends’ pets, and just about any animal she saw.”
      Kenji Spurgeon, a Black trans woman, poses for a photo in front of a green wall and a wooden door with small windows. She wears a white halter top and her black shoulder-length hair is parted down the side; part of the hair falls in front of her right eye.

      Kenji Spurgeon

      • July 1, 2024
        Seattle, Washington

        Kenji Spurgeon, a Black trans woman, was shot and killed on July 1, 2024, in Seattle, Washington. Kenji was remembered as “a bright light” in her loved one’s lives who was “known for an infectious smile and quick wit.” Loved ones said she “had an extraordinary ability to uplift everyone around with laughter, a joke, a song, or a dance” and that “Kenji inspired us all to seek joy and be cheerleaders for one another.”
      Shannon Boswell, a Black trans woman, takes a selfie. Her silver-blonde hair is long, falls below her shoulders, and is parted on the side. She wears a black sleeveless top.

      Shannon Boswell

      • July 2, 2024
        Stone Mountain, Georgia

        Shannon Boswell, a Black trans woman, was shot and killed on July 2, 2024, in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Shannon’s obituary remembered her as someone who “loved people.” The obituary said her hobbies included “watching movies and enjoying life to the fullest.” Loved ones remembered Shannon as “a sweet soul” and “one of a kind.”
      Monique Brooks, a Black trans woman, takes a selfie. Her right hand is scrunched into her hair, which is black, curly, and falls around her shoulders. She wear a beaded bracelet on her right wrist and a necklace with a chunky silver chain.

      Monique Brooks

      • July 19, 2024
        Orlando, Florida

        Monique Brooks, a Black trans woman, was shot and killed on July 19, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. Monique’s sister remembered her as “fun-loving,” “brilliant,” and a person who lived her life “out loud.”
      Dylan Gurley, a trans woman, takes a selfie while sitting in the car. She wears black rectangular glasses and has a metal loop septum piercing; she has a script-font tattoo above her right eyebrow. Her blonde hair is shoulder-length and parted down the middle; she wears a white shirt and has a seatbelt over her left shoulder.

      Dylan Gurley

      • July 23, 2024
        Denton, Texas

        Dylan Gurley, a trans woman, was killed on July 23, 2024, in Denton, Texas. Loved ones remembered her as “the sweetest kid,” saying, “Those bright eyes and gorgeous smile will be remembered always.”
      Vanity Williams, a Black trans woman, poses for a photo. Her hair is long, silver, and straight; it falls below her shoulders. She wears long eyelash extensions and a black top with a mesh neckline.

      Vanity Williams

      • August 3, 2024
        Houston, Texas

        Vanity Williams, a Black trans woman, was shot and killed on August 3, 2024, in Houston, Texas. Friends of Vanity’s remembered her as someone who “created and made a safe space for everybody” and could “speak truth to power about what it means to be a woman, what it means to be a woman of color.”
      Tai'Vion

      Tai’Vion “Tai” Lathan

      • August 4, 2024
        Baltimore, Maryland

        Tai’Vion “Tai” Lathan, a Black trans woman, was shot and killed on August 4, 2024, in Baltimore, Maryland. Tai’Vion’s loved ones remembered her as someone who “loved everybody” and “was very funny.” “She will never be forgotten,” another loved one said.
      Redd

      Redd “Barbie”

      • September 8, 2024
        Chicago, Illinois

        Redd “Barbie,” a Black trans woman, was shot and killed on September 8, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois. Redd’s loved ones said she “was full of life, and you could feel her presence whenever she walked into a room.” They said Redd had “this positive energy that could brighten anyone’s day” and that she “dreamed of spreading the love she felt from everyone else.”
      Honee Daniels, a Black trans woman, takes a selfie. Her light blond hair is straight and falls to around her shoulders. She is wearing a white turtleneck top with a mesh white layer on top of the turtleneck. She wears small stud earrings and smiles at the camera.

      Honee Daniels

      • October 2, 2024
        Rochester, New York

        Honee Daniels, a Black trans woman, was killed on October 2, 2024, in Rochester, New York. Loved ones said “Honee made friends with anyone and everyone, and people adored her.” “She didn’t meet any strangers,” a friend said.
      San Coleman, a Black gender non-conforming person, takes a selfie. San is standing outside of brick building that has a staircase. San wears a white striped halter top, a silver necklace with a large metal pendant, and large silver earrings. San's shoulder-length dark hair is parted on the side and is curled.

      San Coleman

      • October 19, 2024
        Athens, Georgia

        San Coleman, a Black gender non-conforming person, was killed on October 19, 2024, in Athens, Georgia. Loved ones remembered San as “a beautiful soul” who brought “joy and laughter” where San was. Others called San “a light in so many ways,” “an amazing stylist and a great friend,” and “a wonderful person.”
      Quanesha Shantel

      Quanesha Shantel “Cocoa”

      • November 10, 2024
        Greensboro, North Carolina

        Quanesha Shantel “Cocoa,” a Black trans woman, was shot and killed on November 10, 2024, in Greensboro, North Carolina. Cocoa’s mom shared that “she was a strong and joyful person who had claimed her identity early in life.”

      Learn More

      How Guns Fuel Violence Against Transgender People in America Report

      Learn more about the disproportionate impact of violence on transgender and gender-expansive people in Everytown’s new report, “How Guns Fuel Violence Against Transgender People in America.”

      The Latest

      125

      Did you know?

      Every day, 125 people in the United States are killed with guns, twice as many are shot and wounded, and countless others are impacted by acts of gun violence.

      Everytown Research analysis of CDC, WONDER, Provisional Mortality Statistics, Multiple Cause of Death, 2019–2023; Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project nonfatal firearm injury data, 2020; and SurveyUSA, Market Research Study #26602, 2022.

      Last updated: 11.8.2024