In Memoriam
Transgender lives
lost in America
Alabama
F. L. "Bubba" Copeland
Smiths Station, Alabama
Bubba was a well-loved pastor and parent of three children in their hometown. One church member wrote, "Thank you, Bubba, for loving me as I am, for believing in me at moments when I didn’t believe in myself. Thank you for being willing to get a little mud on your hands and helping me out of the ditch more than a few times. You will forever hold a special place in my heart."
Arizona
Bre'Asia Banks
Casa Grande, Arizona
Bre'Asia studied at the University of Arkansas and went on to study hair styling at Beauty Education. Her mother said that "doing hair was her passion," and that she "loved and lived life to the fullest."
In addition to her loving family. Bre'Asia had a dog named Tiger whom she loved and "was just like her baby."
Khyrstianna "Kay" Almazan
Williamson, Arizona
Caelee
Love-Light
Phoenix, Arizona
A deeply spiritual and caring person, Caelee loved to read and learn new things. Caelee’s friend Ana said she "loved to learn something new every day." She was supported and loved by a community of friends who helped her change her name and gender markers on her documents and supported Caelee throughout her transition.
California
Ivory Nicole Smith
San Francisco, California
"What I'm most passionate about is my future, and the way I treat my peers, and how I leave my mark on this beautiful planet." An activist who worked as a program associate with San Francisco's Transgender District, Ivory was full of love for others and love for the world. In her work, she supported trans empowerment events, and was committed to making sure trans people were treated fairly and equally.
Queer activist, model, and singer Yves Mathieu East wrote that Ivory was "gorgeous, proud, badass, [and] angelic" and that they shared "a beautiful siblingship."
Banko Brown
San Francisco, California
Banko is remembered as an "inquisitive and deep listener" who had all the signs of becoming a leader in his community.
Sadly, Banko was housing insecure, and friends say he was severely exhausted and hungry at the time of his passing.
Despite his struggles, Brown was a beloved youth advocate and community leader, working as a Community Organizer with the Young Women's Freedom Center since he was 12. Though he was shy, he made everyone laugh with jokes and dances. Banko was beloved by his found family and the San Francisco trans community.
Loren Cameron
Berkeley, California
Loren's groundbreaking photography showed the reality of trans people, especially transmasculine folks, at at a time when our community was often rendered invisible. His work honored the "self-made" aspect of trans life, and pushed back on the then-common view that being trans required a "cure" or a "fix." Instead, Loren's work honored and explored the realities of trans life.
DeVonnie
J'Rae Johnson
Berkeley, California
DeVonnie was an artist whose creativity inspired her friends and family. According to her mother, who loved her dearly, she came to Los Angeles seeking trans healthcare and to "make a better life for herself." DeVonnie loved music, comedies, spending time with friends, and giving back to her community.
Heklina
San Francisco, California
A talented drag performer and expert at "wrangling order from chaos," Heklina made an enormous impact on drag as an art form.
Heklina was famous in the San Francisco LGBTQ+ community and beyond, after performing with Golden Girls Live, opening Oasis Nightclub, and starting the Trannyshack live show. "Heklina created events and community spaces that spun glitter and giant wigs and raucous jokes into a feeling of home," said Sen. Scott Weiner.
Day Rodas
San Francisco, California
Described by her sister as "respectful and forgiving," Day worked at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. She was a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights, and after she came out, she was able to "live freely, without fear."
Mia Alaina-Lorene Knight
Yuba City, California
Mia dreamed of leading a Pride parade in her hometown of Yuba City. After she passed, her friends and family worked to make that dream a reality, and honored her at the city's first-ever Pride parade. She was a dancer who also loved to sing, and she was known for her unapologetic attitude.
Emma Borhanian
Vallejo, California
Emma's "sweet disposition" was obvious to her family, who loved her. Her grandparents wrote that they will "never forget her bravery."
Sage Lee
Sacramento, California
Sage's sisters, nieces, nephews and friends miss her every day. Her light shines on through them.Emma's "sweet disposition" was obvious to her family, who loved her. Her grandparents wrote that they will "never forget her bravery."
Lisseth Sánchez
San Francisco, California
Lisseth was a community activist, fighting for justice and the rights of trans people. Her friend said she was "the spark that ignited the flame of revolution in many hearts." A mentor, leader, and advocate, Lisseth worked with and for sex workers to protect them from harassment and abuse. She believed in a compassionate revolution.
Tanesh Nutall
San Francisco, California
Tanesh was always helping people. She was a former employee of San Francisco AIDS foundation, helped establish TransLife, and devoted to her faith and her church. She shared her love, light, and prayers with her community, and leaned on those she loved in times of need.
Connecticut
Emma V. May
Wallingford, Connecticut
Emma is remembered by her family as "a wonderful daughter, sister, and friend." She was an accomplished mathematician, earning a degree in math from Vassar College and going on to educate and tutor many people.
Emma loved animals, and she had many hobbies including video games, composing music, and making art. She was proud of being a trans woman, and was a very proud member of the transgender community. She frequently advocated for transgender awareness and rights.
Colorado
Kelly Loving
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Kelly was lost in the 2022 shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs. She mentored other, younger trans women, and was known for her caring spirit. Her sister, Tiffany, says that Kelly "was a good person. She was loving and caring and sweet. Everyone loved her. Kelly was a wonderful person."
Daniel Aston
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Daniel loved the mountains in his adopted home of Colorado, and was a beloved member of the LGBTQI+ community in Colorado Springs.
Aston was one of five people murdered in the shooting at Club Q.
His parents said that Daniel "was thriving, and having fun, and having friends… he had so much more life to give to us, and to all of his friends and himself." He brought joy and fun to his job at Club Q, where he could often be seen "letting loose" as he slid across the stage to the cheers of the crowd.
Lukas Wegener
Denver, Colorado
According to his loved ones, including his partner, Jen, Luke showed up again and again for others despite his trauma and mental health struggles. No matter what, Luke was always the first to show up if someone needed a laugh or a smile. He was a fervent supporter of his fellow trans folks, and a beloved member of the University of Nebraska at Omaha campus community.
Kayleigh Scott
Denver, Colorado
Kayleigh worked as a flight attendant with United Airlines, and famously appeared in commercials for their diversity campaign. She said she used to be "embarrassed" about being trans, but came to feel braver about being out. She told her story publicly to support "those out there who are still fighting social norms."
Kayleigh was close with her mother, who wrote "I am so unbelievably proud to have you as my daughter, proud and amazed by everything that you have done in your life. Your smile was absolutely beautiful, your laughter was unbelievably contagious, your heart was bigger than any of us could have ever understood."
Tree "Avery"
Nicole Crane
Greely, Colorado
Tree was a freshman at the University of Northern Colorado and an accomplished student leader throughout his academic years. He won many awards in speech and debate at his high school, and dreamed of becoming a doctor one day.
Tree was deeply loved by a large extended family and many friends. His family described him as "extremely intelligent, diligent, artistic, spirited, generous, funny, kind, brave, protective, and wise beyond his years."
Washington, District of Columbia
Jasmine "Star" Mack
Washington, District of Columbia
Star was a talented singer and loved gospel songs. She was outgoing, "boisterous" and statuesque. One of her many talents was taking old clothes and tailoring them into outfits fit for a queen. She dealt with a lot of abuse and rejection in her life, but she never let it make her mean. Her inner light made her kind, and she lived her truth boldly.
Skylar Harrison Reeves
Washington, District of Columbia
Rhonda Hailes, Skylar's aunt, described her niece as "a beautiful beacon of life." She was known to brighten even "the darkest room." D.C. Safe Haven, which provides services to the local LGBTQ+ community, hosted a candlelit vigil in Skylar's honor.
A'nee Johnson
Washington, District of Columbia
A'nee was known for her "zest for life" and was looking forward to becoming an aunt when she passed away.
"I want them to remember her for her zeal, her passion, and her consistency," her friend Oluwaferanni Olarinde told the local news. "How consistent she was with showing her face and making sure her energy was pure and lively." On Facebook, Olarinde also wrote that "every moment" getting to know A'nee was "a pure blessing."
Florida
Gloria
Suzanne Stein
Sunrise, Florida
Gloria transitioned when she was in her sixties, and immediately went about proving that there's no time like the present to start living as yourself. Her friend Jesse wrote "At a time when openly trans individuals were few, Gloria became an activist, founding the South Florida Gender Coalition at a time when most people were enjoying their retirement. She was also active on the Boards of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Lauderdale, Congregation Etz Chaim, and the Dolphin Democrats. She was even the subject of a 2016 documentary, "Uncle Gloria: One Helluva Ride!" by filmmaker Robyn Symon." Gloria "always told you what was on her mind," and her longtime relationship with her partner Dan was one of mutual love, care, and devotion. She was a doting pet parent to their many cats.
Carmen Imaculada Ruiz
Orlando, Florida
Known as one of the House of Xtravaganza's "impossible beauties," Carmen dazzled on runways and in ballrooms throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In 1988, she was featured in a milestone article in the Village Voice which helped bring even more attention to the vibrant world of ballroom and house culture. Her appearance in the 1990 film "Paris is Burning" also made history, with her candid and charming discussion of trans life in that documentary still reverberating to this day. She was designated as the successor to Angie Xtravanganza and subsequently became the House Mother of the House of Xtravaganza, where she mentored many young people in the ballroom scene and had an enormous positive impact on their lives. In later years, she split time between Spain and the United States, even establishing a Spanish branch of the House of Xtravaganza.
The House of Xtravaganza posted that Carmen will be remembered as an "undeniable icon" who left an "enduring legacy of acceptance and love."
Tyler Barclay
Dunedin, Florida
Tyler was a talented and imaginative artist who was loved and supported by his father.
Camdyn Rider
Winter Haven, Florida
Camdyn loved color and changed his hair color often. He wanted to be a tattoo artist, and family had talked about making space for a tattoo studio for him. Camdyn was pregnant and announced that he was "so excited and couldn't be happier." He was planning on naming the baby Oliver; Camdyn died only a few weeks before the baby's due date.
Alexa Sokova
Palm Bay, Florida
Alexa was a talented model. Born in Russia, but living in Florida, she worked as an "androgynous model" with Viera Models, and had won pageant contests.
London Price
Miami-Dade, Florida
London's aunt, Nedra Allen, described her as "always beautiful and pretty," and truly generous. "She would give you the shirt off her back."
On Facebook, her aunt said that she loved London's sense of humor, and that she would always remember her.
Brianna Young
"India Damore"
Miami, Florida
Brianna gave strength, love, and selflessness to her friends and community. She was a fierce trans advocate who fought as hard for others as she did for her own dreams. She loved learning from elementary school, and grew that love into a Doctorate of Christian Education. Dr. Young also had a creative vision, sharing her joy in choir when she was younger, and as Drag Queen India Damore as an adult. She didn't shy away from her full self, and was cherished by her mother, brothers and sisters, and countless birth and chosen family. Her friends cherish knowing her, saying "My life has never been the same...I love you to the moon and back." Miss Black Universe Grand 2021 didn't need titles to win the hearts of those who knew her, but she did know how to shine.
Georgia
Tortuguita
Atlanta, Georgia
Tortuguita was known for their bubbly, kind, and loving personality. They worked alongside many other activists who defended the local Atlanta forest from being torn down for a proposed massive police training center, dubbed "Cop City" by locals. The proposed police training ground has received enormous pushback from local activists citing disproportionate violence that people of color in Atlanta have long faced at the hands of police. Tortuguita became a crucial and much-loved part of that community, hosting campfires and sleepovers, and falling in love with Vienna, a fellow forest defender. Vienna described Tortuguita, often affectionately called "Tort," as "generous and loving," and always wanting to take care of people.
Outrage over Tortuguita's loss has galvanized activists speaking out against police violence around the world.
"[They were] a privileged person but [they] chose to be with the homeless, to be with the people that needed [their] caring," said Tortuguita's mother, Belkis Terán, who lives in Panama.
Destin Cheaves
Macon, Georgia
Destin was fashion-forward and knew all the latest styles and trends.
Ashley Burton
Atlanta, Georgia
Ashley was a hairstylist and makeup artist and was making her mark on the industry in Atlanta. She loved other types of art as well, and was a beautiful singer and pianist. She lived her life "take it or leave it" and was proud of who she was.
Shainah Turner
Augusta, Georgia
Shainah was a caring person who worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She is missed by her brothers, sister, family and best friend.
Rasheeda Williams
Atlanta, Georgia
Rasheeda, also known by her stage name Koko Da Doll, was a rapper whose electric performances lit up the stage.
She was also featured in the documentary Kokomo City, which chronicles the lives of trans sex workers. The producer of the film called her "brilliant" and said that viewers of the film would "fall in love with her."
More than anything else, she wanted to "forge a path for other trans women and girls and inspire others."
Eden Knight
Atlanta, Georgia
At 23, Eden had big plans for her future. She wanted to be a "role model" for fellow Saudi trans women and to become a force for good in the trans rights movement. Her death, after she was lured back to her birth family under apparently false pretenses and then denied her hormone medications, sent shockwaves through the trans community and around the world.
In Eden's honor, trans people around the globe started using the sun emoji online to represent how Eden lit up the lives of the people closest to her.
Rolling Stone reported that 'in grieving for Knight, her friends also mourn the loss of someone poised to make a difference for the rights and recognition of trans people.' They wrote in a communally edited Google Document that laid out the events leading to her untimely death, "Eden was funny, sharp, well-read, and concerned with making the world a better place. She stood up for marginalized people and regularly critiqued the conservative, suffocating culture she had left back home."
"Nearly every time we talked, she talked about all the amazing stuff she was going to do," [friend Ashley] Biddiscombe reflects. "And I knew she could do it. She was so driven and had so many ideas and cared for other people in a way no other people really do. I looked up to her a lot."
Biddiscombe adds that while living in Georgia, Knight "helped fund plenty of other trans people to pay for their own medication out of pocket," even redistributing donations she received.
"She desperately wanted to ensure no other trans kid ever had to go through what she did," says Chad. "And she spoke about it with such clarity and confidence, you couldn't help but believe she could do it single-handedly." Brugger agrees, "She wanted to fight for our community. Despite all her fear, she wanted to fight for a world where other trans people could be happy."
Hawaii
Faye Johnson
Honolulu, Hawaii
Iowa
Erin Ezra Young
Waterloo, Iowa
Erin was beloved and respected for her dedication to education, and to her community. Her life was defined by compassion: she was a longtime vegan and animal lover, a community-builder, and a graduate student working toward a Master's degree in counseling. She was also a tireless advocate for inclusivity and diversity on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa, where she worked to create an environment in which students from all backgrounds could find belonging.
Erin’s family remembers her as smart and sarcastic, and for her love of writing and making music. They highlighted a lyric she wrote: "Don't let that light out, I know you want to; things get better than this, because they have to." She was twenty-four years old.
Illinois
Takiya V. Wynters
Chicago, Illinois
Takiya was a beloved icon who was passionate and fierce in her love of the Art of Drag. Her friends say she loved every weekend spent traveling and competing in pageants, including winning Miss Black Continental 2016. She said "everything doesn’t always go as planned but you can't let no one detour you away from what you believe." She pushed herself to excellence not only in pageants but also in her education, studying cosmetology and then fashion design. "It gets greater later"
She loved her family, especially her niece, but treated her whole community with an abundance of love. She cared deeply for her people, and believed in loving more than you hate and giving people their flowers while they're with you. She would tell you from her heart, if you're feeling like you can't go on, "it gets greater later".
Unique Banks
Chicago, Illinois
Unique's brother described her as "his best friend," and said she would "forever be in his heart."
Lovely Page
Chicago, Illinois
Lovely had children and grandchildren who loved her and miss her, and her light shines on through them.
Dominic Dupree
Chicago, Illinois
Dominic loved Chicago sports and Tyler Perry comedies. They were also a hardworking entrepreneur who started and maintained multiple businesses.
Thomas "Tom-Tom" Robinson
Calumet City, Illinois
Thomas' friends remember him as a constant source of joy, smiles, and laughter. He studied hairdressing, and frequently posted photos of his colorful looks.
Lisa Love Turman
Chicago, Illinois
Lisa's cousin described her as "an all around good person." She was a "a loving, caring, free-spirited person. Always smiling and laughing."
Jojo Baby
Chicago, Illinois
Jojo Baby was called many things in life–a club kid, an icon, a 'walking art installation', and even a nightlife legend. The one time aspiring Franciscan monk turned artist expressed themselves many ways, but to their family and friends, they were always a star. Jojo was diagnosed with cancer several times, but they never let it beat them down. They kept performing, hosting events, crafting dolls, and creating Dennis Rodman's signature hairstyles. Jojo knew how to reinvent themselves for authentic expression, saying "I'm constantly absorbing everything from everywhere. I always said of you mixed Jim Henson, Clive Barker, and Boy George in a blender, you'd get a Jojo."
Indiana
Morgan Dee
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Morgan was a computer engineer whose passion and determination pushed her to get her degree and excel in her classes even through financial struggles and rough times. She had a cat she loved who, in her words, "is very well-behaved and hardly makes any noises."
Naomi Elizabeth McNew
Kokomo, Indiana
Naomi was an avid Star Wars fan whose talents for art and graphic design were "magical." They enjoyed video games and cheesy movies. Naomi was loved and supported by a large circle of family and friends, including their parents and siblings.
Kentucky
Henry Berg-Brousseau
Arlington, VA
From a young age, Henry spoke up for his trans community. At 16, he made headlines for his eloquent testimony against a proposed bathroom ban in Kentucky, where his mother, Karen Berg, serves as a state senator.
When he passed, Henry was working as the Deputy Press Secretary of the Human Rights Campaign. While he did find a loving and supportive community, his mother said, he continued to struggle with his mental health and the daily onslaught of anti-trans rhetoric.
According to his mother, he was always "working to extend grace, compassion and understanding to everyone."
"Henry was first and foremost a fighter and an advocate. He was fighting for transgender rights as a teenager in Kentucky, far earlier than he should have had to," the HRC president, Kelley Robinson, said in a statement. "As part of his job at HRC, he faced down anti-transgender vitriol every single day, and no one was more aware of the harm that anti-transgender rhetoric, messaging, and legislation could have on his community."
"If I have one ask, it would be this: practice tolerance and grace," Henry's mother, Karen Berg said. "Work on loving your neighbor."
Zachee Imanitwitaho
Louisville, Kentucky
Zachee moved to the US from Rwanda in 2019 in search of "a new life." She was close with her mother, who she supported. She loved spending time with her friends and expressing herself through fashion.
A vigil in honor of her life drew many community members in Louisville. Zachee is remembered as "a real light" who will be missed by many.
Moe Moore
Louisville, Kentucky
So many people were touched by Moe's life while he was here. He was courageous and caring and smiled at everyone. He doted on his niece and loved his family. He was always there to make sure his people were okay, even if that meant late-night phone calls. He always had a story to tell or a new poem to show you. Moe's partner describes him as "one of the biggest blessings the universe sent…my shining star keeps the sky bright for me, I'm always looking."
Louisiana
Belle Adelman-Cannon
New Orleans, Louisiana
Belle was going to change the world when they grew up, and they started in their own community. they were a rising high school senior who teachers always said brought light and joy to the classroom. Belle gave of themselves to their synagogue in service and youth projects. They sewed masks to be given out during Covid, and worked at the Grow Dat Youth Farm. In a few weeks they were going to start counselor training at one of their favorite places–Henry S. Jacobs Camp. Their love of the outdoors made them an environmental advocate, and their love of people gave them their passion to fight for queer kids. In their own words, "Everyday I choose to live my life as wholly myself because of the way I was raised. I do not cower away from people who hate me, instead I take on that challenge. I want every child to be able to live this way. No child is broken."
Yoko
New Orleans, Louisiana
As a talented tattooist, DJ, designer, model, and multimedia artist, Yoko was known for colorful and unique work.
In the wake of their passing, their friends and tattooing colleagues banded together to sell flash tattoos of Yoko's art and donate the proceeds to Yoko's mother.
Yoko's grandfather Harold Clarke wrote that "Yoko made friends everywhere [they] went. From Japan to Mexico, their friends loved and respected their passions and immense talents. They affected the lives of many "in a positive way." Yoko was a beloved member of their community and her family, with their parents, sister, extended family, and the many families that she was a part of in the community all mourning their loss and honoring their life.
Massachusetts
Levi Martin
Lakeville, Massachusetts
Levi was dearly loved and supported by his parents. He was both transgender and intersex. He loved swimming and playing the piano, and became an expert on intersex conditions and his own health needs. His parents remember him as "funny, intelligent, quirky, argumentative, loving, stubborn, and kind, always."
Melissa Wright
Roxbury, Massachusetts
Tabatha Murray
Boston, Massachusetts
Tabatha was a dancer and an artist who was dearly loved by her family. In a video created by her family, they wrote "we will always remember you."
Mya Finch
Boston, Massachusetts
Mya loved people, and passed her blessings on to others in need in her community. During Covid, she reached out with food assistance so kids wouldn’t have to skip meals because of school closures.
Michigan
Gwen Gatewood
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Gwen's sister remembers her as "the strongest person I knew." Gwen handled chronic illness with grace and perseverance throughout her teenage years. She "always had a positive attitude."
For her entire life, her "endearing personality and welcoming heart" always endured. "There was nobody else more brave, witty, compassionate, and strong. She was a light in every life she touched."
Ashia Davis
Detroit/Highland Park, Michigan
Ashia graduated from Cherryhill School of Performing Arts, and was about to start a new job when she passed. She was her mother's only child, and her mother loved her daughter dearly. Ashia's friend Allona said that Ashia was a dear friend, and that they had "known each other since they were children."
Emoni Nicole Wright
Flint, Michigan
Emoni's family remembers her as "the light of every room she walked in" who could "put a smile on everyone's face without having to say a word." She loved fashion and dance and crafted her own clothes. "If you gave Emoni a glue gun, a pair of scissors and a pair of jeans, she would turn it into a masterpiece."
Emoni was active in the ballroom scene, winning several competitions and making friends both at home in Michigan and around the country. According to her family, she gave her all at these shows, "leaving her heart on that stage."
After Emoni's passing, her family honored her memory by hosting a benefit ball.
Missouri
Josephine Diamond Gilliford
Kansas City, Missouri
A friend said Josephine was “the baby of our chosen family, our larger-than-life leo. She was the most selfless person I’ve ever known. Selfless to a fault. She loved Dolly Parton, steam engines, meteor showers, driving her car and just talking for hours, DND, nail polish, dogs, butterflies, Twilight. She had a huge heart. She deserved a better life than the one that she endured with unbelievable strength. She was chaotically funny. Glamorous. Gentle. Motherly. Colorful. Loyal. Wise beyond her years. Proud as hell. She’d be so embarrassed about all of this right now and deny every compliment. She should be here, cussing me out. I’d give anything to make her laugh again.”
Josephine was "a fabulous, white, queer, fat, disabled, trans woman". Her chosen family was her family, and her 3 best friends, her brother, her grandparents, and a constellation of friends and lovers are heartbroken without her.
Amber McLaughlin
Bonne Terre, Missouri
Caitlyn Éowyn
Earhart ("Cait")
St. Louis, Missouri
Caitlyn, whose many friends often called her Cait, is remembered by her friend Stephanie as "an intelligent, graceful being who graced this Earth" with her presence. Her friends will miss her positive outlook on the world, and she was known to say that "today is the greatest day of my life."
Nevada
Mechele Lee Jones
Sparks, Nevada
New Hampshire
Nova Dunn
Manchester, New Hampshire
Nova was a fourteen-year-old who was dearly loved by his friends. While many specific facts about his situation remain unknown, one friend of the family said that he was searching for "peace and acceptance."
Joanne Steere, the mother of one of Nova's friends, wrote that "he'll be forever missed–his kind soul and his warm smile. He was one of the sweetest kids I've met and always looked out for his friends. My daughter lost one her best friends, but I know she'll never forget him and the many good times they had."
New Jersey
Lola LaPerla Ebony Mcdaniels
New Jersey
She was a member of The House of Ebony and Laperla, and her voguing style continues to influence performers. She gave off an energy you could feel from the moment she stepped on the floor. Friends describe her as a Phenom and a Jersey legend. Her heart of gold and service to her community. Balls and balloon releases have been planned in her name.
Myles Fitzpatrick
Manville, New Jersey
Myles "knew nothing but love from his family." They remember him as an avid outdoorsman who loved camping and exploring the woods and mountains. He was close with his siblings, and is remembered with love by a large extended family.
Lucka Maherling Joseph
Jersey City, New Jersey
Lucka's intelligence and talent for leadership made a big impression on those who knew him. The founder of the center where Lucka received counseling said that he was "filled with promise."
New Mexico
Bianca Lee Saunders
Pojoaque, New Mexico
A talented athlete who broke gendered barriers on the football field and on the Homecoming Court, Bianca loved his family deeply. His love for his "little one," Elliot, also stands out.
Bianca's smile was "infectious." They never had a bad word to say about anyone, and was always looking for the best in people.
Bianca's generous spirit is remembered by all who loved him. He was always the first to lend a hand whenever people in his community needed help.
Sherlyn Marjorie
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Sherlyn was a gifted drag performer who was dearly loved by both her audiences and her friends. One friend posted that "I will miss your shows on the stage, but I am sure that you will shine up there forever and ever."
New York
Olivia M. Snow
New York, New York
Olivia's friends describe her as witty and brilliant. She knew numbers and economics and could have been great at banking, but came to the US from the Philippines for the freedom to be herself. Despite the lack of support she had back home, she never failed to send money to her family to help pay for education, healthcare, and helping her family have a better life. "She was so kind, and so forgiving...she was a generous soul." After much laughter and many conversations about what would suit her best, she chose the name Olivia as an homage to actress Olivia Hussey. Showmanship and performance was a way for Olivia to create a place of joy for herself. An accomplished freelance makeup artist, she loved beauty pageants and would schedule her time off to go to pageants with her friends and make bets with each other on the winners. Olivia glowed while living her truth, and her courage and joy inspired her friends, who love her dearly.
Fernielle Mary
"Wowy" Mora
Bronx, New York
Mary, or Fernie to her friends, was a familiar face in her community both in celebration and advocacy. She wanted to go back to school and dedicate her career to advocacy for LGBT youth and anti-sex trafficking. It takes so much love to fight for your community, and Mary was equally loved by those who knew her. An “unapologetic life force and an intuitive light”, Mary was excited about her future. She had a gift for reading tarot cards and loved astrology and crystallography. Her friends hope she is remembered always for her legacy.
Milan Batista
Queens, New York
Paris Aminah
New York, New York
Paris Aminah, also known as Diary Unspoken Truth, is remembered as an artist, a daughter, a sister, and "an angel."
In response to the news of her death, the President of New York City's Housing Works said that "we stand in grief and outrage at the ongoing violence against trans people, including the many systemic inequities our loved ones face every day."
Upon hearing the news of her loss, the community also came together for a vigil honoring Paris' life and demanding more safety, dignity, and resources for Black trans women and femmes.
Rachel Pollack
Rhinebeck, New York
Rachel was a gifted writer of science fiction and fantasy in addition to being a groundbreaking trans activist. She was part of the group who created the first trans women's manifesto in 1972, and her fiction has been honored with the Arthur C. Clarke Award. In 1993 she created the first mainstream transgender superhero named Kate Godwin/Coagula.
Her friend and fellow writer Roz Kaveney said, "Rachel was a crystallizing force in the trans movement and so many other areas. She was perpetually an inspirational figure, and was one of the first professional trans writers who had a career while out, and proved that it was possible to do that."
"Tommy Playboy"
Blackwell, VIII
Bronx, New York
New York City model Tommy Playboy lit up the runway with designers like Shayne Oliver and Telfar Clemens, appeared in music videos, and aspired to model for Balenciaga someday.
On Instagram. Tommy described themselves as both a "misunderstood misfit" and a "youth advocate." Tommy had many friends in NYC and will be dearly missed.
Allen A. O'Donnell
Bronx, New York
Allen is remembered by his loving family as an intelligent young man and "a kind and tender soul." He was both an artist and a "budding scholar" who was fascinated by Asian cultures and languages. He was pursing a college degree that would allow him to work as a pharmacist.
Tiesha Mcfarland
New York, New York
Tiesha was always sweet to everybody. She was vibrantly involved in her community, and will always have a piece of their hearts.
North Carolina
Casey (KC)
Lee Johnson
Wilmington, North Carolina
KC was dearly loved by her partner, Bulla. She worked at a local Domino's and liked to watch anime and read manga. "She motivated me to get out of a dark place and get my life back together," Bulla said. "I was getting out of that depressed state and she was there for me. She was the one I could open up to."
Ohio
Catherine Wheeler
North Canton, Ohio
Those who knew Catherine knew a kind and caring person, full of sweetness. She loved playing card games with her grandmother and singing along to ACDC. She was "immensely smart" and filled with joyful laughter. Catherine was unforgettable.
Amiri Jean Reid
Toledo, Ohio
Friends describe her as one of the sweetest ever.
Charm Wilson
Cleveland, Ohio
Charm is remembered by her friends as vibrant and enthusiastic, and for embracing life with her characteristic intensity.
Kejuan Richardson
Toledo, Ohio
Kejuan loved celebrating with their friends, and made them feel special.
Oklahoma
Adalyn Anderson
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
As the youngest of five siblings, Adalyn is remembered as a "witty and loving" daughter and sister. In the last two years before her passing, she became much more confident in herself, and she built a social life she was proud of. Adalyn was dearly loved by her large family and many friends.
Marilyn Augustine Hendren
Tulsa, Oklahoma
A member of the Navajo Nation, Marilyn belonged to the Imperial Sovereign Court of New Mexico, a charitable non-profit. Described by friends as a "sweetheart" and a "kind and loving person," she was also honored with the lifetime title of Princess of the Duke City.
One friend said that although Marilyn had been through "hell and back," she was always there to give a helping hand to those in need. Her openness about her HIV+ status inspired many in the community, and her friends have said that they will "always cherish her memory."
Clayton Stephens
Lawton, Oklahoma
His grandfather said "He was outspoken, he was funny, he was Clay." Clay was very close to his cousin who he lost in 2021, and to his grandmother. He had been living with his grandparents until finishing high school, but had recently moved in with a friend. Even so, he spoke to or visited his grandmother every day. He loved music, chicken wings, and challenging gender norms.
Oregon
Dolli Goins
Eugene, Oregon
Dolli loved books, movies, and music, but most of all she loved spending time with her friends.
Agnes 'Aggie'
Jean Livingston
Eugene, Oregon
Aggie's friends looked up to her strength and beauty, and described her as "the most precious soul." She fought for trans rights, and inspired many of her friends to join the fight as well.
Rani Baker
Portland, Oregon
As a talented comedian, Rani came to digital fame through writing for websites like Cracked, the Modern Rogue, and Bunny Ears. Her friends remember her as "always nice and very, very funny." She was also a video game developer who was known for her deep knowledge of the industry and hacks of NES games. Her significant body of work testifies to her diverse talents and skills. Another friend remembers that she was "razor sharp" and "damn funny," and that she will be deeply missed.
Pennsylvania
Wendi Miller
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Wendi made an enormous mark on trans rights in her home city of Pittsburgh. Alongside other trans activists, Wendi worked with the Pittsburgh Human Relations Commission to add gender identity to the protected classes under the City Human Relations Act, just seven years after sexual orientation was added. They accomplished this by redefining sex in the city code. This was revolutionary, and laid the foundation for the City to eventually expand protections to include gender identity and gender expression. She broke barriers by appearing on the Ricki Lake Show in 1996, at a time when trans people were rarely ever depicted, let alone respectfully, in national media. Her longtime framing shop, Miller Frame, served as a hub for trans activists and local artists.
Her friend Sue has said that Wendi's "life force has shaped the city" of Pittsburgh. April 8, 2023 was declared Wendi Miller Day, in recognition of her work for trans rights and for the arts.
In addition to her contributions to the trans community, Wendi was a fearless cave diver, a poker maven, a loving mother to her son Cooper, and an artist.
Diamond Jackson–McDonald
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Diamond's mother, Linda Jackson, loved her daughter deeply. "I just want the world to know that Diamond was my rock, my shoulder, my child whom I love with every inch of me of what I have left to give," she said.
Mar'Quis 'MJ' Jackson
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Mar'Quis, or MJ, was loved and supported by his family–especially his mother. He was a well-known trans advocate in Philadelphia who worked for the betterment of his community. He supported the William Way Center, The Free Ky Project, and the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF), among others.
River Paige Olmsted
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
River was a seventeen-year-old whose life was defined by a love of music and community. They were an active member of their church, and an avid volunteer with both its Sunday School and Lydia’s Closet programs. River enjoyed reading and the outdoors, and they found inspiration and peace in activities like camping and working at the Renaissance Faire. They loved working with children, and hoped one day to be a music therapist.
River’s loss has been felt deeply by their community, who remember them as hardworking, caring, kind, and having "a beautiful flame of curiosity" and "a quiet spirit of introspection."
Miss Pennie
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Mother to dozens of incarcerated trans women, Miss Pennie gave her time and love to the community, helping others change their own lives, and providing friendship, encouragement, and a listening ear. Her friends and colleagues at Hearts on a Wire miss her.
Theadora "Thea" Cassidy
Lititz, Pennsylvania
Thea loved to play Dungeons & Dragons with her friends and family. Her parents, grandparents, and many friends all loved her creative spirit. She was a lifelong learner who loved to explore history, the outdoors, and the arts–including miniature painting and sketching.
Tammy Lynn Felbaum
Westmoreland, Pennsylvania
Bird
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Bird was a queer artist, creator, dancer, and as they put it, "professional mess maker". They were loud and vibrant in all the best ways while also striving to be tender and compassionate in everything they did. Nakoa Wilde had this to say, "Their short life was so abundantly full and each of us who were blessed to have existed alongside them while they were here are better in every way because of it. Bird was an outspoken advocate in normalizing having grace for ourselves and community as we learn to blossom in the midst of neurodivergence and they changed countless lives with their outpour of raw, real, unfiltered love and creativity. They were the love of my life, even now when not Earth side, and I’m so thankful for every moment."
Cris Velazquez
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cris was a vastly charming individual who made a significant impact on the lives of the people around them, regardless of the length of the relationships. Always seeking new experiences, their adventurous spirit drove them to take many different courses in life. Cris led a full life, with a great number of friends, chosen family, biological family, and beloved dogs and cat, all of whom do and will continue to sincerely miss them. Those who were lucky enough to know them could find joy in their loyalty, creativity, mischievous humor, dance and movement, and compassion.
They were a disabled Marine Corps veteran, and knew the cost of war. They were incredibly dedicated to making the world a kinder and more just place, with hopes of abolishing war, and educating others about the correlations between militarism and climate crisis. They dedicated significant time and energy towards Gamers for Peace as part of Veterans for Peace.
Cris will be remembered for their commitment to making a difference, their curious and playful spirit, their loyalty and ability to put others needs before their own (often to a fault), their ability to find whimsy in the darkness, their nerdery, their desire to always grow and learn, and their tireless hope and rage channeled to building a world in which people do not have to fight to survive.
Puerto Rico
Chanell "Uvita"
Perez Ortiz
Carolina, Puerto Rico
Chanell was a cosmetologist and made a career out of her passion for beauty, makeup, and fashion.
Luis Ángel Díaz Castro
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Luis was loved by his family, especially his mother. Another friend posted that they would "always remember him."
South Carolina
Jacob Williamson
Pageland, South Carolina
Jacob loved to draw, and to sing. He had just come out as a trans man to his family and begun to live as his authentic self at the age of eighteen, but was soon forced out of his home by family members who would not accept him for who he was. He was taken in by a friend, Promise, and for the next month and a half, Jacob found peace and happiness.
Promise remembered Jacob by saying, "You deserved more than what this cruel world gave you… I am so proud of you for accomplishing so much in the last weeks of your life. My heart will never be the same…"
Shandon Tymiere Floyd
Columbia, South Carolina
People were drawn to Shandon because she was a born leader. If she felt it in her heart she was doing it, whether you followed along or not. The life of the party and the kindest soul you would meet, she loved her brothers and her mother, and they loved her back.
Tennessee
Vic Yang
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Vic was a ball of giving energy and light. Vic gave of their affection, giving hugs and joy to everyone they met. They cared fiercely for their people and were a loyal friend. They gave of their talents as well; they were a talented writer and advocate for marginalized people, and a voice for compassion and acceptance. Above all, Vic gave of themselves through faith and love. They were a deeply dedicated follower of Jesus, and both took and gave great comfort through their spirituality and worship—often through music and song with others. They took great comfort in the words and encouragement of their friends, and wanted everyone to know "The flowers God planted for you have already bloomed [go smell them] but will continue to bloom—isn't that incredible?"
Texas
Meadow Elisabeth Goodman
Austin, Texas
Meadow's friends remember them as "the kindest, most loving, most caring, and most outgoing person I have ever met. After only knowing each other for a few days she was one of my closest friends. He was one of those people who was friends with absolutely everyone, one of those people who light up the room when they walk in." Meadow's kindness made a big impact. Their friend went on to share that Meadow, who used multiple sets of pronouns, "always had nice things to say and was always kind, even when they were struggling inside."
Janet Fierce Andrews
Houston, Texas
Janet was magnetic when she was on stage, winning several titles including Miss Gay USofA at Large 2020. She loved her pageant family, and cheered on and supported all of her competitors. She loved to see her people shine, and told them to "not hold back, go in with guns blazing!"
A born entertainer, she would dance at home, school, and church, even taking ballet for a while as a child. As she grew, her fellow performers became her chosen family, and she described them as a joy. She started the Fierce Candle Co., bringing beauty and light to customers. Whether crowned or not, Janet knew how to make each day shine.
Amanda Palmer
Fairfield, Texas
Maria Fer Rivera
Houston, Texas
Maria had enough hope and love to give her the courage to come to the US from El Salvador to build a new life. She brought her joy and sense of humor to everyone she met.
Alicia Clarke
New Boston, Texas
Alicia's mother loved her and misses her very much.
LaKendra Andrews
Dallas, Texas
Put some Nicki Minaj on and just watch LaKendra dance. She put her energy into all her interests, whether it was dancing, cooking, baking, or drawing. When she wasn't having fun she was working hard in the nonprofit organization she started.
Cam Chamberlain
Killeen, Texas
Elena Esther Adem
Dallas, Texas
Zoey Hernandez
New Boston, Texas
Zoey knew what it took to make her dreams happen–hard work, determination, and money. She was an entrepreneur from a young age, even hiring her brothers and neighborhood kids to help her work her lemonade and jewelry stands. Those who knew her knew that her drive combined with her confidence and contagious laughter would take her anywhere she wanted to go. Every day was another day of Zoey living her best life. She was also a woman deeply invested in the people she loved. Thanksgiving and Christmas were her favorite holidays, and she spent lots of time and thought shopping for the perfect present for everyone.
Utah
Anonymous
Utah
This anonymous memorial represents a specific person who was not out publicly or to their family. While they didn't get the chance to live their full truth in life, a trusted friend wanted to make sure that the loss of their light was known. Though the world didn't get to see you shine, you were loved.
Ome Gandhi
Salt Lake City, Utah
Her friend described her as a kind and loving person with a huge heart. She loved music, especially saxophone. She had just come out to her father.
Fisher Jones
Salt Lake City, Utah
Fisher was a drummer, aspiring social worker, and "local bad ass". They worked at their local library, earning the respect and affection of their coworkers. They were a bit of a self-described pack rat, but they cherished the memories that came with old tickets and notes and fortune cookie fortunes. The little things were important, like laughing at a favorite episode of Invader Zim. They also loved drawing and painting, and their loving friends.
Tyler Svetich
Murray, Utah
Tyler loved the outdoors, and spent a lot of time swimming in the Jordan River in his home state of Colorado. He expressed himself freely through fashion and loved to wear dresses.
Tyler's neighbors organized a vigil to remember him. According to his mother, many people in the community "loved, befriended, and mothered him."
Rory Campbell Swimm
Salt Lake City, Utah
Rory could infect you with their joy for life and passion for the future. Born in Scotland but raised in the Rocky Mountains, they grew up to love their friends, family, and skiing. Whether moguls, freestyle, or big mountain, Rory was at home on the slopes. They were only days away from their graduation from a welding program, and moving to Montana for a new job and to coach skiing to young kids. Rory made an enduring impact on their community with adrenaline, adventure, and love. Their friends send their hopes with Rory as they "live[s] on in a cooler dimension"; fly high Rory.
Vermont
Evelyn Mae Sorensen
Middlebury, Vermont
An accomplished student at Middlebury College, Evelyn's friends remember her as kind, caring, and exceedingly generous with their time and attention.
A double major in earth and climate sciences and gender, sexuality, and feminist studies, Evelyn was deeply engaged in her community. According to Middlebury, she was known as a dynamic student with ideas and solutions to offer the world. Evelyn worked as a research assistant in earth and climate sciences, collaborating on projects with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
She was a member of the Middlebury Mountain Club, and was passionate about backpacking and canoeing.
Her commitment to the environment and to social justice was apparent in everything they did.
Virginia
Ta'Siyah "Siyah" Woodland
Mechanicsville, Virginia
At eighteen, Ta'Siyah was a teenager with a "powerful spirit." She loved spending time with her family, including her three siblings, and her aunt remembers her as someone who "loved to smile, laugh, and have a good time."
She came out as a trans girl as a teenager, and "got the courage to start living in her truth." Her aunt writes that "she was a joy, and made sure that everyone around her knew they were loved."
Mykal Rae Wilson
Sterling, Virginia
Mykal was twenty-two years old. They were described by their best friend Kloud as talented, loyal, and given to unconditional love. They were an artist and a friend, and while they had supportive family, they struggled with the lack of support they found living in an unaccepting society. Despite the hardships they faced, Kloud said that they "saw the better parts of myself and tried their hardest to preserve the light that so many wished they could extinguish."
Washington
Eucytus
Seattle, Washington
Eucytus loved plants, petting cats, "biology stuff" and especially fungi. She was vegan and sober, and cared about people and the environment. Her circumstances and struggle tried to dim her light, and each day she gardened and cooked and put all the joy she was capable of into the universe. "I think the world would be better off if more people were in touch with their emotions and how to express them healthfully."
Kenzie "Soma'" Webler
Olympia, Washington
Kenzie lived in Indiana, but when a friend passed suddenly, she didn't think twice about pulling together the money to travel to Olympia to say goodbye. She loved to travel, which is how her friends remember her.
Unidentified
Seattle, Washington
West Virginia
Travis Stimeling
Morgantown, West Virginia
Dr. Travis Stimeling grew up in Buckhannon, West Virginia, their family's home for over 300 years. They grew up playing music and listening to Willy Nelson, Ted Nugent, and Van Halen, and their heart was in Appalachia. It was impossible to read their books or watch them talk about music without being swept along by their joy for the art.
Travis loved people and believed in the power of music to connect with others. They passionately explored “the ways that people live music alive.” Music was a conversation for Travis, who said of bluegrass "…learn their tunes and learn their stories. Because this music doesn’t mean anything without the stories that those people carry."
As Musicology Professor at West Virginia University, they played a key role in establishing Appalachian Studies and Music programs at WVU, and founded a scholarship for BIPOC students in the Appalachian Studies Association. They also oversaw the WVU Bluegrass and old-time bands, teaching over 100 students how to play. They had a deep passion for nurturing students’ learning, involving them in research and sharing their joy and light through education.
Their impact was felt deeply throughout the WVU community and throughout Appalachia. Friends, students, fellow musicians, and everyone whose life Travis touched remember them for their generosity in sharing time, talent, and guidance, leaving a lasting impression through their intellect, kindness, and enthusiasm for life.
Dacoda "Codii" Lawrence
West Virginia
Codii had three siblings and worked as a cook after graduating from high school. He was loved by his friends, who gathered to memorialize his life after his loss.
Wisconsin
Cashay Ashanti Henderson
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
In her work with Milwaukee-based group Sisters Helping Each Other Battle Adversity (SHEBA), Cashay was described as "inspiring, funny, sweet, and fabulous." She was close with her godson and her niece, and was a beloved member of her extended family.
Cashay loved fashion, makeup, hip-hop, and being there for her fellow trans sisters. She was "nothing less than a joy to be around."
Chyna Long
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Ever since she was eighteen, Chyna was known for her dance moves and expert choreography. Her father says that neighborhood girls would "come over in droves, and she would teach them dancing."
Her family has received anti-trans abuse for years, but they always loved and stood by their daughter. Long's aunt Alissa Davenport told reporters that the person who murdered her niece doesn’t understand the gravity of the crime they committed. "They took a piece of our joy," Davenport said. "You try to be strong but the senseless murders, for whatever reason, we're tired of it," Davenport told TMJ4 News. "We've been living in Milwaukee all our lives and we're tired."
Wyoming
Stephanie Petty
Thermopolis, Wyoming
Stephanie was dearly loved by her mother, who "wants people to see her daughter as a unique individual with her own strengths and demons. Above all, Stephanie was funny. A good friend, sister and daughter." Stephanie was known as a gifted debater and computer programmer who built a working computer with her own hands when she was only ten years old.