WASHINGTON — Recently, Chynal Lindsey, 26, a Black transgender woman from Dallas, Texas was killed. Gender violence continues to disproportionately impact Black women and girls, including Black trans women and girls. In response to the tragic news, National Black Justice Coalition Executive ( NBJC ) Director David J. Johns released the following statement:
"Chynal Lindsey is now the eighth Black transgender woman killed this year and reported by the news. This tragic event is especially difficult since last month's murder of our sister Muhlaysia Booker. While many are celebrating Pride Month, Black women and girls are being murdered across the country and too few people are acknowledging this reality and trying to stop these deaths.
"Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and same gender loving ( LGBTQ/SGL ) people cannot celebrate Pride because we are still fighting for our lives — literally. In addition to attempts to advance legislation like the Equality Act or to train first responders in cultural competence, we must also endeavor to protect and support Black trans women and girls.
"The murder of Chynal Lindsey, at the beginning of Pride Month, should serve as a chilling reminder that there is more work to do to raise awareness about the lived experiences and challenges facing Black women and girls, including Black trans women and girls.
"Our call to action is simple: contribute to gender justice by creating and sustaining safe, supportive, and affirming environments for all Black women and girls—and all means all. This work begins by recognizing the diversity that exists within our community and holding space for everyone to show up just as they are."
"The National Black Justice Coalition is committed to ensuring gender justice so that all Black community members can get free!"
To learn more about NBJC's gender justice work, and how you can get better engaged in this effort, please bookmark this page for the pending release of our Gender Justice Toolkit, which is designed to facilitate conversations that can save the lives of all Black women, girls, and gender non-conforming people.
—From a press release
The National Black Justice Coalition ( NBJC ) is America's leading civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and same gender loving ( LGBTQ/SGL ) people, including people living with HIV/AIDS.
