Cam Thompson, 18

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Cam had a “beautiful and contagious” smile, and she was deeply loved by her family, including her mother and younger brother. She had just finished a job training program and was working at UPS. Her aunt, Tara, remembers her as a very sweet person who cared for others, noting that she “never met a stranger.” Cam was creative and loved doing hair and nail art, and she planned on going to college.

Kaitoria Bankz, 31

Autaugaville, Alabama

Kaitoria, known as Kai to her friends, was a cherished staff member at the Knights and Orchids Society, which is dedicated to improving the lives of Black trans and queer people across the South. TC Caldwell, the Executive Director, said that “Kai was a bright light in our organization. Her bold presence inspired everyone around her. She was making significant contributions in LGBTQ+ work through health coordination, community support, and advocacy. Her clients, many of whom relied on her for critical support services, will deeply feel her absence.” Kai constantly worked to improve her life and the lives of those around her, and she will be deeply missed by her friends, family, and colleagues.

Eli Stablein, 49

Tuscon, Arizona

A friendly and welcoming presence, Eli could start a conversation with anyone. Eli was a staunch advocate for those in need who believed in equity for all and meeting people exactly where they are. As a gifted massage therapist, Eli carried this empathy into their work, connecting deeply with the community and helping queer and trans people to heal. Sadly, Eli was misgendered after their passing. 

His friend MIchael shared that Eli was also a beautiful writer who loved poetry, especially Dr. Maya Angelou. Michael went on to write that “Eli consistently showed us exactly who they were – a kind, generous, hilarious, spirited, honest, vulnerable, and curious teacher, student, friend, advocate, parent, and spouse. But most of all, Eli was love."

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, 78

Little Rock, Arkansas

A sparkling, powerful presence in the movement for trans rights, Miss Major lived an extraordinary life. A veteran of the 1969 Stonewall protests, she spent decades mentoring “her gurls,” working to protect and uplift fellow Black trans women. Her own survival of the criminal justice system informed her work at the TGI Justice Project, where she improved conditions for trans women who had been incarcerated. She loved being called a mother or a grandmother, saying that it was “an honor.” She was a proud parent of her young son Asiah, with her partner Beck, and parented other children, including her son Christopher. Over the decades, Miss Major made deep bonds with her sisters, including Tracie and Billie, and her chosen daughters include luminaries like Janetta Johnson, who carries on her work as a visionary trans leader helping to secure housing, help trans people recover after incarceration, and much more. 

Miss Major was also a performer, appearing at drag shows and in the iconic Jewel Box Revue. She was always community-minded, organizing Angels of Care collectives during the worst days of the HIV/AIDS crisis in New York and California. She joked that she’d had “every job,” and she even drove a van for San Diego’s first needle exchange. Miss Major went on to settle in Arkansas and found the House of gg, which includes a beautiful “oasis” focused on healing and joy for Black trans people.

In her memoir, she reflected on the progress we’ve made and urged solidarity with all oppressed people. “Things have gotten better, in a sense, but we’re not where we should be. They’re making little changes here and there, but [...] it’s got to be all of us or none of us.”

When she met with fellow trans activists in 2023, she encouraged the next generation to “tell another trans person that it’s time to stop moping about this stuff, and don’t hide this time. We’ve got to stand up and fight.”

Jay Floris, 23

Stockton, California

Jay is remembered as loving, joyful, and always willing to help others. They worked to help domestic abuse survivors who were escaping dangerous situations, and they were beloved by their community, which held a vigil in their memory. They loved their service dog, and their sister Lillianna said that Jay had “a full life ahead of them.”

Lady Java, 82

Los Angeles, California

An extraordinary performer and a true legend, Lady Java was once counted among the best dancers in Los Angeles. Sepia Magazine called her “America’s Loveliest Female Impersonator,” and “without a doubt, one of the best nightclub acts in show business.” She dazzled nightclubs across the city, and, in 1967, she fought back when local authorities tried to use anti-trans laws to stop her from performing. Her case was a groundbreaking part of the burgeoning LGBTQI+ civil rights movement. While her case didn’t succeed in court, her protest raised awareness and visibility. According to historian Susan Stryker, Java’s proud protest  “laid the groundwork for successful challenges of employment discrimination pertaining to gay, lesbian, and transgender people.”

Lady Java’s talents were myriad, and included singing, dancing, comedy, modeling, fashion design, and musical arranging. She overcame “hard times and discrimination with pride and pluck.” She also devoted her time and talents to helping her community, performing in dozens of benefit concerts for charity every year for decades. Her “first love was entertainment, and her next love was people.”

Apollo Moon, 26

Los Angeles, California

As an accomplished adult performer and trans influencer, Apollo was beloved by a wide circle of friends and colleagues. Colleague Gwen Adora said that he would be remembered as a “trailblazer” and “a kind and beautiful force in this hard world and industry.” He also loved getting out in nature to camp and hike. Shortly before his passing, he wrote that “being trans brought me so much joy, and there was nothing in this world that made me happier than sharing that experience with my community.”

Roy Mora, 15

Fort Bragg, California

Roy was loved by his friends and family. The Mendocino County Safe Space Project, which serves queer and trans youth and their families, has established a memorial scholarship in Roy’s honor, which is available to all LGBTQIA+ high school students in Mendocino County. Roy’s mother, Jen, will be involved in reviewing those applications. The scholarship aims to support LGBTQIA+ youth as they pursue their passions.

Linda Becerra Moran, 30

Los Angeles, California

Linda was very resilient, and she knew herself and what she wanted. Linda was originally from Ecuador, and she was devoted to her Catholic faith. Even as she navigated homelessness, exploitation, and mental health challenges, one friend remembered that Linda was “determined to survive.”

Luisa Rivera, 68

San Francisco, California

A proud Latina trans woman, Luisa made an enormous impact in HIV/AIDS advocacy and on the fight for the rights and dignity of sex workers. She led Marcha de las Putas SF to create visibility and empowerment for Latinx and LGBTQIA+ sex workers in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood. She was also the Policy & Education Co=-Chair for the HIV Advocacy Network, a member of the Decriminalize Sex Work California Coalition, and the founder and executive director of Voces Puteriles. 

Trans Latine organization Poder Unides posted that “as a sister, tía, leader, and proud Trans Latina elder, she showed us the power of resilience, advocacy, and community care. We carry her spirit and legacy in our hearts. Rest in power, querida hermana Luisa Rivera.”

Hope Lyca Youngblood, 49

Los Angeles, California

Hope’s brother Tony remembers her as “an avid record collector, a talented visual artist and writer, an absolute shredder on guitar, a cigar connoisseur, and a proud trans woman.” A Kentucky native, she attended Murray State University. Her creative talents extended to video, and she produced a short film in 2017.

Zara Weinberg, 36

San Francisco, California

A prominent and dedicated advocate for trans women in science, Zara was fascinated with neuroscience. As a postdoctoral fellow at UC San Francisco, she studied cell biology, especially the ways that cells signal to each other. She began studying cellular development in early embryos, but went on to apply her cellular engineering expertise to research on COVID-19. 

Zara was beloved by her colleagues, her mentees, her wife, Kayleigh, her mom, Julie, and her dad, Richard. Kayleigh encouraged people to honor Zara by being a supportive colleague and mentor and advocating for trans and queer people. She wrote that Zara was “the bravest person I ever knew, to her very last breath, and lived according to her highest values.” 

Her colleague, Willow, wrote that Zara was “a brilliant scientist, supportive mentor, dear friend, rabid believer in public transit, open science champion, and above all just an amazing human.” 

In one interview, Zara wrote that, “by embracing our identities, we are fundamentally bringing a new perspective to our work. Being trans is an important part of my scientific perspective. It helps me question dogma and see beyond false binaries that are ingrained in science. [Being trans] has now become another part of the rich tapestry of my life and identity that helps to make me be the best scientist I can be. 

It can be so scary to come out, to advertise your uniqueness to the world. But in the end, it is the only way to be the best version of ourselves.”

Gabrielle “Cam” Nguyen, 21

El Paso County, Colorado

Gabrielle planned to become a Speech and Debate coach after pursuing a communications graduate degree. They loved the color pink, the artist LOONA, and cooking authentic Vietnamese food. Cam was known for writing long, heartfelt letters to their loved ones. They were in a relationship with Lily-Dawn Harkins, who also passed this year.

Jax Gratton, 34

Denver, Colorado

Cherilynne, Jax’s mother, said that her brave daughter brought love and joy everywhere she went. Jax was a well-known hairstylist in Denver with deep roots in her community, and she was treasured by friends, family, clients, and colleagues. She also loved her cat.

Lily-Dawn Harkins, 22

El Paso County, Colorado

Lily-Dawn’s friends remember both her brilliant intellect and her infectious smile. She loved playing Magic: The Gathering, cooking for loved ones, and volunteering for those in need. She had recently graduated from college with a degree in supply chain management, and was in a relationship with Gabrielle Nguyen, who also passed this year.

Leah Jo, 37

Denver, Colorado

Many members of the Denver LGBTQI+ community remember Leah as a kind, loving friend who “cared deeply for other people and for our world.” She graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in political science. Leah’s family, including her sister Jen, still celebrates her birthday each year. Her friend Maggie will “always remember [her] beautiful heart,” and one young trans person remembered that Leah would always listen, no matter what. They wish they could have “shared their trans joy together in their adult years.”

Dream Johnson, 28

Washington, DC

Dream was dearly loved by her family. Her mother, Iris, said that “my baby's life mattered to me, and to everyone. If she wasn't loved by the world, she was loved by us, and we accepted her for who she was.” Vanna, Dream’s aunt, encouraged others to “stay true to yourself, and embrace who you are” - just like Dream did.

Megan Jordan Kridli, 22

Miami, Florida

Megan was a brilliant and insightful activist who fought for liberation on her college campus and far beyond. Her family had roots in Palestine, and her advocacy connected struggles to protect vulnerable people across the globe. She left her mark on those around her – her friend Allison said that she would not have the same knowledge and confidence she has today without Megan. “She used her knowledge to educate, help, and be there for others. She was there for me in times that I felt insecure or needed encouraging words.” 

Megan was at the beginning of an accomplished academic career, graduating with a degree in computer science from Miami University before commencing her PhD in computer science and philosophy at the University of Cincinnati. She brought her organizing skills and care for her community from Florida to Ohio, where she also became the president of Spectrum, the LGBTQI+ student group on UC’s campus. She was deeply connected to her community and was beloved by her friends. As another friend said, “trans youth shouldn’t have to have these accomplishments to be remembered, but I can’t overlook how she unapologetically made her mark on the world.”

Onyx Cornish, 18

Caldwell, Idaho

Friends remember Onyx as an “inspiration” and a “light in everyone’s life.” Onyx cared deeply for others, and they would drive around their town with food for local unhoused folks and even help them rent motels for the night. They were very creative, loved alternative and goth fashion and makeup, and used their online platform to educate others about progressive causes. They were a staunch supporter of reproductive rights, and supported the Idaho Abortion Rights Collective. Onyx’s friends treasure time spent creating looks just to take pictures together, stay up all night, go for walks, and have deep conversations about the universe. Onyx also loved their cat, Sami.

Emma Slabach, 24

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Jaden, one of Emma’s friends, said that “Emma was the sweetest girl I’ve ever met - and that’s all I knew her as. Her energy lit up every room she entered. You could tell her anything and she would listen to you without judgement. It’s a shame this world and the people in it treated her the way they did.” Sadly, Emma was misgendered after her passing. Other friends and family remember Emma’s talents at singing karaoke, playing guitar, and building computers.

Kamora Woods, 27

Indianapolis, Indiana

Kamora was treasured by her family. Her mother Danielle said her “beautiful baby” loved animals and making people laugh. She had a “big heart,” lit up the room around her, and was proud of who she was as a transgender woman.

Blair Sawyer, 27

Louisville, Kentucky

Blair loved dragons, riding her bike, making art, and playing the piano. She had many friends from her online gaming and artistic circles. She is remembered by a large extended family, including her parents, brother, grandparents, and cousins.

Christina Hayes, 28

Detroit, Michigan

Christina wore glamorous makeup and lived in Detroit, Michigan.

Karmin Wells, 25

Detroit, Michigan

Karmin’s chosen mother, Monica Hudson, remembers her as “an amazing individual” who was funny and resilient. Karmin had a great sense of humor, and would “light up the whole room.” In the ballroom community, she was known as “the walking wonder.” Her charisma and talent for the runway led her to achieve legend status in the Iconic International House of Revlon. "Karmin was a blueprint of what you can overcome. Karmin was resilient. She was determined, and she was love. There was nothing that Karmin could not do," Monica said. "She would walk through a wall of fire and come out untouched and unburned."

Monica and Karmin moved to Atlanta together, where Karmin took care of her mother as the pair found a new path forward. Karmin told her, “Ma, we're legends. So let's become icons. I'm going to become your icon and I'm going to make you proud.'"

Tahiry Broom, 29

Southfield, Michigan

Tahiry's aunt, Patricia, remembers her as a brilliant, confident woman. "She loved her friends and family. She was very outgoing and resilient and loved to live life to the fullest.” She had a generous and giving spirit, and would “give anyone the shirt off her back.” Her humor and her joy were infectious.

Ra’lasia Wright, 25

Minneapolis, Minnesota

An avid dancer and fierce personality, Ra’lasia stood out in the crowds of the Minneapolis club scene. She was a proud trans woman of Black and Puerto Rican descent, and she would take new friends under her wing. Her friend Camilla said that Ra’lasia was outgoing and protective of those she loved.

Aziza “Z” Barnes, 31

Oxford, Mississippi

Z was a talented poet, playwright, and writer for television who was deeply loved by their family and friends. Their family said that Z was “an undeniable and beloved artist, child, sibling, and friend.” Their playwriting debut, BLKS, was acclaimed as “a joyous experience” that explored the lives and loves of young Black women in New York. Z’s talent for comedy kept the audience laughing for 90 minutes. Z was also a decorated poet, receiving the 2015 Parnet River Prize for their first full-length poetry collection, titled i be but i ain’t. In 2024, they premiered a reading of their latest play, FKA I Am a Bad BLK Person. In their bio, the artist wrote “Z & Co” f/aka AzizA Barnes, is alive on purpose in this earth drag.”

Kelsey Elem, 25

Oxford, Mississippi

Kelsey loved putting together fabulous outfits, and those who knew her often remarked on both her beauty and her work ethic. She frequently worked two or three jobs and supported herself ever since turning 18. She was a proud transgender woman and an advocate for the trans community who wore flawless manicured nails and long braids. One family member said that, ever since Kelsey first came out, “watching her grow into her confidence and share it with the world was a blessing.” When Kelsey reflected on her transition, she wrote that she was “proud of [her] life in so many ways. Moral of the story, love your life.”

Rick Alastor Newman, 29

Bozeman, Montana

Rick is greatly missed by the trans community in Montana. He was known as a talented artist and storyteller who loved his father, who he missed and loved dearly. Sadly, Rick was initially misgendered after his passing. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hiking and camping.

Jill Heathers Bouvier, 54

Omaha, Nebraska

Jill is remembered as a witty, brilliant, and talented woman. Her family wrote that they were glad she “had a warm and welcoming community of friends and found family to carry her through the challenges of life.” She helped others through their own journeys as an involved member of TransFormative, a local support group for trans people in Omaha. An Army veteran who went on to work for the Army Corps of Engineers, she spent her career defusing dangerous explosives and contamination to make spaces safe for other people. Jill’s family will miss her commitment to absurd theme gifts, her generous heart, and her love for others.

Her family went to on write that, while they deeply mourn Jill’s passing, they are “grateful that it gave us the chance to build a bridge between family and friends, between the person some of us used to know and the person Jill was proud to become, each of us learning and seeing something we didn’t know before. Our hearts are broken but lifted together by the amount of love on both sides.”

Raven Syed

Lawrenceville, New Jersey

Raven was a dedicated student, campus leader, and proud trans man who majored in actuarial science at Rider University. He also served as a copyeditor for the student newspaper.

Bianca “Jiggly Caliente” Castro-Arabejo, 44

New York, New York

Known for her artistry and performance skills as showcased on RuPaul’s Drag Race, Bianca was beloved by a wide community of friends, family, and fans. 

Her family wrote that Jiggly Caliente, “a luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity. She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world. Her legacy is one of love, courage, and light.” 

Fellow performer Jinkx Monsoon said that Bianca “lived her life exactly how she wanted to—never taking a moment of it for granted.”

Deniz Chucker

New York, New York

Deniz’s partner, Jari, wrote that “Deniz was light personified,” and that many friends were “blessed by their warmth, generosity, or fierce protection [...] Deniz lived and loved with a courage that shook our worlds. A devoted partner. A protective sibling. A passionate child. A brilliant educator. The most loyal friend. They fought for joy, for love, for our children, for our people, for liberation itself.” Another friend wrote that Deniz was “an exemplary and extraordinary human being.”

Elisa Rae Shupe, 61

Syracuse, New York

An Army veteran, wife, and parent, Elisa made history as the first person in the United States to be legally recognized as nonbinary when she successfully sued the state of Oregon. Later in life, she moved from using they/them pronouns to she/her. Her journey was complex. During a period of struggle with her own identity, she briefly worked with anti-trans groups until formally renouncing those ties, coming back to herself, and blowing the whistle on their harmful tactics. Elisa bravely helped to publicize thousands of emails exposing how anti-trans extremists work to spread disinformation and harm our communities. 

She came to understand herself as a transgender woman, rather than a nonbinary person, but cautioned others never to use her story to invalidate others. In 2022, she wrote that “all gender identities are valid and should be treated with the utmost respect at all times.” In her final writings, she defiantly pushed back against an increasingly hostile administration, saying that America “cannot erase nonbinary and trans people, because you give birth to more of us each day.”

Katelyn Rinnetta Benoit, 15

Rochester, New York

A student at the Rochester School of the Arts, Katelyn was loved by her family, who wrote that she had a “passion for writing, computer games, music, gardening, and baking.” She was creative and enjoyed the art of fashion–both thrifting for clothes and “borrowing” things from her loving mother Andrea’s closet. Despite facing mental health challenges and bullying at school, Katelyn lived bravely as a transgender woman. She strove to be true to herself, no matter what. 

Her family “honors her strength and authenticity,” writing that “Katelyn’s memory is a reminder of the challenges many young people face and the importance of supporting one another in times of need. We will always remember her for her irreplaceable smile and laugh, her unique sense of humor, her huge and generous heart, and the impact she has had on those around her.”

Parker Savarese, 15

Setauket, New York

Parker was passionate about the arts and was a dedicated member of Ward Melville High School’s theater troupe, both acting in productions and creating props behind the scenes. Sadly, they were misgendered after their passing. They were adored by their friends, and their friend Emma wrote that she will “miss your smile that lit up every room that you walked into” as well as their “astonishing ability to make not only your friends, but everyone you met, feel comfortable and loved. I promise to finish every story that we started and carry out all the plans that we made.”

Sam Nordquist, 24

Canandaigua, New York

Linda, Sam’s mother, remembers her son’s “heart of gold.” Each morning, he would bring coffee to her and the two would sit outside together. He loved animals, and he worked at a group home for vulnerable adults. His friend Matt enjoyed cooking with Sam and described him as “an amazing friend” who was “full of life. There is nobody like him.” 

His family has said that they will “never stop fighting until Sam has the justice he deserves.” Sam was adored by his mother and his sister, Kayla. His friends and classmates remember him fondly. His teachers and advisors always saw how hard he worked, and his old high school, Face to Face Academy, has established the Stand with Sam Scholarship Fund in his memory.  One former classmate, Jade, said that Sam “gave the best hugs.”

Sydney “Syd” Leigh Phillips, 22

East Islip, New York

Sydney’s friends remember her as a young woman with a kind heart and a brilliant mind. She would go out with friends to explore campus, go dancing at concerts, and enjoy late-night pizza, often explaining chemistry concepts as she planned to study emergency medicine. Her friend Matt writes that he was “lucky to know such an amazing girl.” He will always remember “hearing her contagious laughter” and “seeing her light up whenever she saw her friends.”

Ervianna Johnson, 25

Tabor City, North Carolina

A devoted aunt who adored her nephews and nieces, Ervianna was vibrant and full of life. While she was occasionally misgendered after her passing, it’s clear that her family loved her. One relative remembers that “it was just a joyful moment every time [she] was around.” She loved to dance, and her social media shows her bold and creative spirit.

Quanesha “Cocoa” Shantel, 26

Greensboro, North Carolina

Quanesha was a loving person and talented ballroom and drag performer who was enrolled in nursing school. Her drag father, Ira Owens, aka BigBaby, said that nursing was perfect for her. Quanesha’s mother, Toi, said that her daughter knew who she was from the age of 11, and she supported her child through her transition. Cocoa was a beloved daughter and sister, and she will be remembered by a wide circle of friends and family.

Tessa June, 21

North Carolina

Intelligent and hardworking, Tessa was cherished by her parents. She cared deeply for the world around her, and was always willing to help those in need. She dreamed of becoming a published author, and she loved her cat. She enjoyed eclectic music, complex stories, kayaking, and spending time in nature.

Tiara Love “Tori” Jackson, 37

Charlotte, North Carolina

Tiara was joyful and proud, regularly performing in ballroom events and winning dozens of trophies. She was devoted to her faith and regularly attended ReBirth Cathedral of Praise. Her bishop Dr. Flournoy said that she made Christian faith “accessible to those who wouldn’t set foot in here otherwise. She opened her doors when no one else would, and she came in like she belonged—because she did.”

JJ Godbey, 26

Canton, Ohio

A talented drag performer and makeup artist, JJ was planning on learning to sew so they could make their own costumes. They had only recently started performing publicly, but their interest in drag started very early in life. They were involved in their local LGBTQI+ community, frequently supporting local businesses, and were a fan of divas like Ciara, Lady Gaga, and Mariah Carey.

Laura Schueler, 47

Cincinnati, Ohio

Known for her style and charisma, Laura is remembered as “the Beyoncé” of her Cincinnati community. Her dear friend, Tyson, said that she “lived in her truth” and that “everybody looked up to her.” She loved nature and animals, and she was fiercely loyal and loving to her friends. Laura always showed up when her loved ones needed her. 

Tyson went on to say that Laura “was a really known and loved, respected woman in our community” and “we’re gonna always cherish her and keep her name alive.”

Meka Shabazz, 46

Columbus, Ohio

Meka was an extraordinary dancer and dance teacher who loved sharing music with others. She was also a talented writer who used her talents to highlight Black history. As a high schooler in 1997, her poem “Awakening,” about Emmett Till’s murder, won the NAACP ACT-SO Award.  She received her BFA in dance performance at the Philadelphia University of the Arts in 2002 before returning to her hometown of Columbus, where she became a principal dancer with the Chuck Davis African American Dance Ensemble. Despite later struggling with incarceration, drug use, housing instability, and recovering from a stroke, Meka became a mentor to LGBTQI+ youth, developing a GED program specifically focused on meeting the needs of young queer and trans people. She was a beloved member of King United Methodist Church, and she was proud that the young people she worked with called her Mother Meka. She advised that, when young trans people faced gender discrimination, “you must continue to believe in yourself. You must be persistent.” 

Her friend Ishmael wrote that Meka “deserved so much more than this world ever gave her. She inspired so many people to rise above, to be better, to be more—not just for the LGBT community, but for anyone who needed her.”

In 2020, Meka wrote, “Although my life has been full of challenges and difficulties, I am truly blessed. My life has come full circle. I have taken all the pieces of my life and recast them in a fabulous mosaic that includes mentorship, teaching, rekindling my love for dance and acting, and serving as a mother figure for our youth. I [have] learned so much from the roads I have traveled. I have lived my life one dance at a time.”

Aubrey Dameron, 25

Grove, Oklahoma

Aubrey was proud of her Cherokee heritage, and she was beloved by her family - especially her aunt, Pam, and her uncle, Christian. Multiple vigils were held in her honor, including by the indigenous nonprofit Matriarch, an intertribal community organization which promotes healing and empowerment for Indigenous women and Two-Spirit people. She is remembered as a “vibrant soul” who was “full of love and dreams,” and who was known for her kindness. Aubrey was a creative and passionate young woman who loved rock and roll and aspired to become an actor or singer.

Arty Cassidy Beowulf Gibson, 23

Portland, Oregon

Arty had recently moved to Portland with his fiancé in search of a safer political environment for trans people. They used both he and they pronouns.

Charlotte Fosgate, 17

Portland, Oregon

A brilliant and creative gamer and programmer, Charlotte was an active member of the game modding community. Even at her young age, she contributed to a vibrant community of gamers and modders, selflessly offering help and working with others to create fun experiences that everyone could enjoy. She was a beloved daughter and an “amazing friend,” and she loved art and music. 

One friend wrote that “I feel so privileged that I got to work with Charlotte and be a recipient of her kindness.”

Sonny Hopkins, 39

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Sonny was a “pillar of the Philly trans community” who brought “joy, swagger, and deep care” for others everywhere he went. He also shared his sports knowledge and love of the game on his podcast, the Darion Hopkins Show. He lived a real-life love story with his wife, Dhelanie. On Trans Day of Visibility, he posted that “yes, we are a trans couple. Our story is a testament to the power of love and the importance of visibility.”

Shy'Parius Dupree, 32

Memphis, Tennessee

A hard worker and loving father, Shy’Parius was also loved by his wife of three years, Lola. He worked multiple jobs, and he also counseled and mentored young people. He was a talented chef who was working to expand his business. One friend wrote that to know Shy’Parius was to “know how much [he] did for [his] people.”

Ajani Walden

Texas

As the Social Media Coordinator at Black and Pink National, Ajani told the stories of both the organization and trans and queer people everywhere affected by the carceral system. His colleagues remember him as being caring, kind, and devoted to serving trans people. 

Ajani positively impacted many lives through his advocacy and his friendship. As Black and Pink posted, he “will leave an impact that will live on in and through the community forever. We honor him today and always. We will miss him dearly.” He believed deeply in abolishing the carceral system and strengthening the rights of the LGBTQI+ community.

Kyla Jane Walker, 39

Austin, Texas

Kyla lived a bold, brave, and authentic life. Her sister Paige remembers her as a brilliant and generous woman who was a “fierce advocate for the weirdos and misfits of this life.” Kyla was dearly loved by her sister and her found family, and she always encouraged people to “resist despair.”

Rosa Machuca, 24

Austin, Texas

Faith, Rosa’s co-worker at Target, said that Rosa was “always so helpful and kind with everyone at work.” Rosa attended UT Austin and aspired to be a journalist. Sadly, Rosa was misgendered after her passing due to recent changes in Texas law that forbid updating identity documents to correctly represent who we are as trans people. Kim, Rosa’s fiancée, described her as “wonderful” and “so bright about everything she loves.” The two had been together for 11 years, and had just gotten engaged last year. 

Lia Smith, 21

Cornwall, Vermont

A double major in computer science and statistics, Lia’s brilliant mind matched her active lifestyle and commitment to advocating for the trans community. She spoke on panels to advance the community’s understanding of trans rights and how important it is for us to get the healthcare we need. Up until this year’s NCAA ban on trans athletes, Lia was a proud member of the women’s swimming and diving teams. She was a well-loved member of the campus community and active in multiple clubs, including the chess club, the Japanese club, and the group Women in Computer Science. Lia encouraged other trans students to stay strong and remember that “there are people in your community that are here for you and care about you.”

Phoenix Cassetta

Colchester, Vermont

A student at St. Michael’s College, Phoenix was a dedicated activist who served as the vice president of Common Ground, a safe space for LGBTQI+ students and their allies. They also served as a Resident Assistant in the dorms on campus. They are remembered by friends and classmates as “an amazing member of the community who will be deeply missed.”

Kasi Rhea, 31

Lynchburg, Virginia

A talented hairstylist, Kasi was beloved by a large circle of extended family, friends, and clients. Her photos show she was also skilled with makeup, and she was regularly in high demand as a stylist. Her faith was deeply important to her.

Norah Horwitz, 38

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Norah received her MFA from the Pacific Northwest College of Art in 2014, and she went to become a successful artist and an editor at Marvel Comics. She frequently brought her art out into the community, and would set up on the street in Portland and draw people for free. In a 2017 essay, she meditated on how characters like Black Cat, Invisible Woman, and Scarlet Witch portrayed womanhood and intersected with the trans experience.

In a 2018 exhibit, she wrote that her artwork explored how womanhood is constructed in an age of mass media, and how she was “assembling a new life as a woman.” Norah interrogated what it means to “pass,” writing that “the concept of ‘passing’ is rooted in non-trans people’s comparing trans people to their own reality. In this sense, ‘passing’ is easily achievable, if you study mass culture and mimic the things culture wants to see from women.” She also performed under the drag name Menorah Horwitz. In an interview with Paste Magazine, writer Steve Foxe described her as crafting “a one-of-a-kind path for herself.”

Michele Kaemmerer, 80

Bellingham, Washington

As the first transgender captain in the Los Angeles Fire Department, Michele pushed for greater inclusion of women and people of color in the fire service. She was a proud lesbian, and she dealt with resistance to change with good humor because she was “an optimist who saw the best in people.” 

Michele also brought cis and trans women together in solidarity, recognizing that they were all in a similar struggle for inclusion and respect. LA Times writer Noah Goldberg records that, when Michele joined the organization Women in the Fire Service, some members didn’t want her to go with them on a long bike ride. Some argued that Kaemmerer was “not a real woman,” wondering what bathroom she would use and where she would sleep. But Brenda Berkman, a fellow woman firefighter who broke barriers in the service, said that “we can’t be discriminating against Michele—not after all we’ve fought for to be recognized and treated equally in the fire service. She has to be allowed to come”—and she did. 

Michele loved the “adrenaline” of fighting fires and protecting people. She was respected as a good firefighter and a great captain.

Amyri Dior, 23

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Amyri’s cousin, Jakiala, described her as “always a good soul” and said that she was “always truthful with her life.” She was musical and loved to sing and dance. Her mother, Perriona, encouraged others to “to live in the truth. It doesn’t matter who you are, just open up. Be an open book, so your family can know who you are and be able to love you for who you are."