FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEMENT ON THE MURDER OF A SECOND BLACK TRANS WOMAN IN APRIL Renewed Calls for Local Leaders To Take Action
Earlier today, April 15th, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department announced the alleged murder of a Black Trans Woman in her hotel room. This follow’s the homicide of Jaida Peterson, 29, on April 4th. This violence follows a clear targeting of Transgender people. The killer(s) remain at-large, and we urge the LGBTQ+ community, especially our Trans family and those who are sex workers, to be cautious and vigilant to protect each other. We concur with Charlotte Pride’s issuance of a Community Safety Alert and urge “those with any information regarding these recent incidents…to contact Crimestoppers at 704-334-1600 or http://charlottecrimestoppers.com. Information can be given anonymously.”
We further urge our elected leaders to take real steps to protect Trans lives in our community. These deadly hate crimes stem from a culture that vilifies and demonizes Trans people, especially Trans women. We must have enforceable, legal protections that ensure Transgender people have equal access to housing, jobs, and services, rather than the continued marginalization that limits their opportunities and safety.
Words, actions and recent proposals from some elected officials contribute to dangerous perceptions that continue to dehumanize Transgender people, whether as kids in school, tenants applying for housing, or patients seeking health care. We call upon the Charlotte community to support Transgender people and organizations that advocate on their behalf, such as Transcend Charlotte.
The Executive Committee LGBTQ+ Democrats of Mecklenburg County
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Please direct media inquiries to Cameron Pruette, President of the LGBTQ+ Democrats of Mecklenburg County. Email: president@meckdemlgbtq.org Phone: (803)984-0579 www.meckdemlgbtq.org
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