Transgender people are being killed at an unprecedented rate. The year 2015 saw an all-time high in reported killings of trans people in the United States: 21 by the time of the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance in late November. And 2016 is on track to be just as violent. This year’s victims range in age from 53 to just 16. Most were black or Latina trans women.
Monica Loera, 43 January 22 North Austin, TX
Monica Loera, a 43-year-old Latina transgender woman, was shot to death in front of her North Austin home on Jan. 22 by a man she was seen arguing with outside.
Jasmine Sierra, 53 January 22 Bakersfield, CA
Latina transgender woman Jasmine Sierra, 53, died under suspicious circumstances in late January. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots on the night of her death.
Kayden Clarke, 24 February 4 Arizona
Arizona cops shot Kayden Clarke, a 24-year-old transgender man with Asperger’s, after he allegedly lunged at them with a knife during a suicide call.
Maya Young, 25 February 20 Frankford, PA
Police found Maya Young stabbed in her neck and chest, on a Philadelphia street on the night of Feb. 20.
Demarkis Stansberry, 30 February 28 Baton Rouge, LA
Was fatally shot in the head by a friend who claimed that he thought the gun was empty at a New Year’s Eve party.
Kedarie/Kandicee Johnson, 16 March 2 Burlington, IA