The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs ( NCAVP ) is deeply concerned about four unsolved homicides of transgender women of color that occurred during the month of September in 2013, which continues a disturbing trend of homicides of transgender and gender non-conforming women and people of color in the past few years.
Konyale Madden was found beaten to death in her home in Savannah, Texas on September 1st. Melony Smith was discovered beaten to death in her hotel room in Baldwin Park, California on September 9th. Ms. Hartley was found beaten to death in her home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on September 19th. Most recently, Eyricka Morgan was stabbed to death in her home in New Brunswick, New Jersey on September 24th.
In each of these four homicides of transgender women, no motive has been made public, and in each of these homicides we are concerned about the pace of investigation, the misgendering of the victims by police and the media, and by a lack of public awareness about these tragic deaths. NCAVP will continue to monitor these homicides along with the local programs in those states.
"Each year, NCAVP tracks the homicides of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer ( LGBTQ ) people in the U.S. in which a motive is known. However, for many LGBTQ homicide victims, especially transgender women and people of color who are disproportionally affected by violence, a motive is never determined," said Chai Jindasurat, Co-Director of Community Organizing and Public Advocacy at the New York City Anti-Violence Project. "We must call attention to these incidents and mobilize on our communities to organize and respond to this violence, so that the lives of these individuals are not forgotten or overlooked."
The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs ( NCAVP ) most recent report, Hate Violence Against
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and HIV-Affected Communities in the United States in 2012, documented 25 anti-LGBTQ murders. 73.1% of all anti-LGBTQ homicide victims in 2012 were people of color and 53.8% were transgender women.
NCAVP has reached out to local organizations BreakOut! in New Orleans, the African American Office of Gay Concerns in Newark, New Jersey , the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center, and Resource Center Dallas to raise awareness of these unsolved homicides and to support the local communities affected by this violence.
"BreakOUT! sends our condolences to the friends and family of Ms. Hartley," said Wesley Ware, the Director of BreakOUT! in New Orleans. "We know that all too often transgender women of color experience tragic violence that is ignored and not taken seriously. It's clear that the system failed Ms. Hartley many times, and in her memory we will continue to organize and do all we can to create safety for, and led by, trans youth of color."
"We are devastated by the death of our sister Eyricka Morgan - she was a dynamic woman, friend, a leader, and an outspoken social advocate," said Gary Paul Wright, Executive Director of the African American Office of Gay Concerns in Newark, New Jersey. "We watched her transition from a 15-year-old questioning kid to the beautiful, full-grown woman of 26. We are particularly saddened that this year, as we prepare for our Transgender Day of Remembrance observance on November 20th, we must include Eyricka in this montage. It's ironic that Erica Morgan was a panelist at this very event last year."
NCAVP is concerned by inaccurate media accounts of these homicides, especially the misgendering of the victims. To report news reports about anti-LGBTQ violence that are problematic or defamatory in any way, please report it to GLAAD.
NCAVP is a resource for anyone who experiences violence. For more information, or to locate an antiviolence program in your area, please contact us at info@ncavp.org or visit us online. Join NCAVP in our efforts to prevent and respond to LGBTQH violence. To learn more about our national advocacy and receive technical assistance or support, contact us at info@ncavp.org .
NCAVP works to prevent, respond to, and end all forms of violence against and within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer ( LGBTQ ) and HIV-affected communities. NCAVP is a national coalition of local member programs and affiliate organizations who create systemic and social change. NCAVP is a program of the New York City Anti-Violence Project.
