Biographies and Photos
Trans and Gender Expansive Community Members
Who Died By Violence in the US
June 2025-June 2026
Notes on Biographies for Trans and Gender Expansive Memorial
We include here as much information as we could find about each of the precious trans and nonbinary souls we lost this year to violence in the United States. We have not included the means of death here, as this is a space for how people lived. There is power in our stories. For some of those we write about here, there is less information available. This is due to many barriers, including fear, information suppression, closeting, language barriers, lack of resources, isolation, and other factors.
Nonetheless, we know that our stories live on in each other, through our deep interconnectedness with every member of our community, through love, and through the preservation and retelling. These are the names of folks who died by violence between June 1 2025 and June 1 2026 in the United States, as many as we know who had information available. Sometimes, information about a lost trans or nonbinary person comes much after their death, in these cases we include them in the coming year even when their death was earlier. We’ve included members who died by suicide. This is intentional, as suicide is often the result of discrimination and other forms of violence experienced by the transgender and gender expansive community.
There are many more names of members of our beloved international community who we have lost. While we have not included detailed biographies here today, more information about these members of our community is available at https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/.
We’ve gathered all the stories with the help and support of many organizations, including Human Rights Campaign, Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents, Them.US, Remembering Our Dead, and several other organizations.
Information in bios gathered and edited by Cassidy Dallas, with support of many community volunteers, including Jet, Marissa, Corinne, Sofia, Emily, Hillary, Kat, Bailey, Navin, Sophia, Milo, Jenn, Chris, Ian, Susan, Liz, Ray, and others within the community. Photos gathered and posters designed by Mason Dunn and Melsen Carlsburg.
Abi Bean Ivers, Unknown
Dayton, Ohio
Abi Bean Ivers was loved by friends and admired by acquaintances. She was a member of Trans Collective 937 in Daytona and bonded with others over fashion and common upbringings. Friends say “she loved to party and sing and dance after a few drinks. She always had enough to share. She loved many and hard. She felt deeply, and hurt often. Abi always wore a tiger’s necklace.” One friend wrote, “I remember the way you would smile so wide and stare into my eyes while I did your makeup until I couldn’t focus anymore. Nobody could share in someone else’s joy like you, the way it was written on your face when someone you cared about expressed their own happiness, and it just…became yours too.” Abi worked at a dispensary, where she made an impression as “a great person to be around” and others “took a lot of inspiration in her energy and ever present smile.” She is remembered as being sweet, genuine, and caring. She will be remembered for her sparkle, her kindness, and her generosity.
May Abi’s memory be a revolution. Abi deserved better.
Sources: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQm-jwYkhj5/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DQkV-pkkl7I/
Adeline Claire Johnson, 19, Asheville
“Adeline Claire Johnson, 19, of Asheville, North Carolina, transitioned from this life on April 25, 2025.
Adeline’s kindness, playful spirit, and intellect touched many lives during her short time here. She saw the world in a unique and thoughtful way, bringing a special creativity and sensitivity to everything she did. She loved spending time with children and shared her joyful sense of play with them. Adeline hoped to become a teacher one day. Her cunning, existential wit, brilliance, and gentle nature left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Adeline was a transgender young woman on the autism spectrum—exquisitely intelligent, with a fierce sense of justice and deep curiosity. She wrote protective legislation for trans youth that was adopted in Illinois, composed music that reflected her rich inner life, and served as a kind, nonjudgmental friend to many. She worked tirelessly to make the world a better place.”
Adeline was a bright and beautiful presence.
May Adeline’s memory be a revolution. Adeline deserved better.
Adrian Joseph Bird Harrah, 27, Lincoln, Nebraska
According to his obituary: “Born on March 27th, 1998, Adrian was an active member of his community, impacting all those he came into contact with through his kindness and respect.
He graduated from Lincoln High School in 2016 with an International Baccalaureate diploma. In school, he was a member of Destination Imagination; and Gay Straight Alliance, helping build strong bonds with other members of his community.
A lover of the arts, he participated in Lincoln High’s Louder Than a Bomb slam poetry team and acted in the school's one-act plays. Throughout his life, he continued to write poetry, having made an appearance as a poet at the Maha Music Festival in Omaha, Nebraska; as well as participating in open mic events in Lincoln and Omaha. He continued his theater participation through the Nebraska Girls’ Shakespeare Company as a director and as an actor, and in other local theater productions, including his portrayal as Caril Ann Fugate in the show ‘Starkweather’ with Capital City Theater. He was also an actor and contributing writer on productions like ‘Secrets’ with Red Theater. Following his appearance in 'Starkweather,' he appeared with his youngest sibling, Lily, in a documentary film on the topic of Starkweather. Adrian also was a visual artist, with a primary focus on line drawings and cartoons.
Adrian believed in supporting his community, and volunteered with local mutual aid organizations, delivering food and cooking meals for underserved neighbors. He always understood the need to be connected to the world and the people around you. Since he was a child, Adrian has shown a great appreciation for nature and has wanted to share that passion with those around him. He worked for the Lincoln Zoo, and often sent family and friends photos and video clips of 'his' giraffes. As an avid bicyclist, he would share moments and photos of the natural beauty he encountered on his rides.To all those who knew and loved Adrian, his impact on their lives will continue to be felt through connection with the Earth and friends. The trees, the birds, the bugs, and the soil will feel his absence. His memory will continue to live on through community actions and contributions, and through the shared love felt by those who knew him.”
May Adrian’s memory be a revolution. Adrian deserved better.
Sources: https://lincolnffc.com/obituaries/adrian-harrah
Aleanna Royal Bechdel, 31, Binghamton, New York
Born on July 20, 1994, in Binghamton, New York, Aleanna brightened the lives of those around her with her infectious spirit and warm heart.Aleanna was known as Aleanna Royal and Queen Freakii. She studied at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and identified as a DJ, promoter, dancer, model, artist and more.
Friends say: “She Lived and loved the RAVE. It was her thang. She loved dubstep, and bass and drum n bass and house music.” “She was an amazing person. Always positive and happy. She LOVED the edm scene and loved to dance.” Her brother said of her: “Aleanna was an artist, loved drawing, loved to dance, and could light up a room just by entering. More than anything, Aleanna was the best at bringing people together, and was loved by many. Aleanna was known for helping in the community, was very good with kids, and “Aunty Aleena” was the life of the party, always bringing positive vibes. Aleanna stuck up for people, and never liked to see anyone down—a natural protector with a great soul.”
From her family: “She will be greatly missed by her mother, siblings, beloved grandparents, cherished aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews. Aleanna holds a special place in the hearts of her lifelong best friend, Giovanni Labrado, and her "stardust" Jamie Argon.
Aleanna was a beautiful soul who embraced life with enthusiasm, helping anyone she could. Her passion for art and creativity shone through in everything she did, from dancing to crafting her own clothing designs. A true family-oriented individual, she selflessly supported her loved ones and was a guiding light in the lives of her nieces and nephews. Known for her charismatic nature, Aleanna was the life of every gathering, lighting up every room and bringing joy to those around her.
Though she may no longer be with us in person, her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched.”
May Aleanna’s memory be a revolution. Aleanna deserved better.
Sources: https://www.pghlesbian.com/2026/04/black-trans-woman-aleanna-royal-bechdel-fatally-stabbed-in-new-york-state/ , https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/reports/2026/04/17/aleanna-royal-bechdel_binghamton-new-york-usa_1ac35159
https://www.demunn.com/obituaries/aleanna-belcher
Arty Cassidy Beowulf Gibson, 23, Portland Oregon
Arty grew up in Lexington, Kentucky and graduated a year early from Lafayette High School. He was part of his school’s choir and role-playing game club. In 2022 he earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and honors of Summa Cum Laude at the University of Kentucky.
Arty was known for their creativity, kind spirit, and deep relationships with their community. Arty was a caring and loving friend whose quiet kindness and sense of humor could always light up a room. He enjoyed creative hobbies such as crocheting and drawing, learning to play instruments, including the accordion, attending conventions like Comic-Con, and taking walks in nature. He truly adored his niece. He always spoke about his niece with such depth of feeling. She was the little person who held a big piece of his heart.
Arty had recently moved from Lexington to Portland with his fiancé in search of a safer political environment for trans people.
May Arty’s memory be a revolution. Arty deserved better.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/291224399/arty-cassidy_beowulf-gibson
Ash Paxton, 20, Long Beach, CA
Ash was a beloved cosplayer and “they were such an inspiration for so many people and their passion for what they enjoyed was contagious.”
Ash inspired countless cosplayers that they knew personally and who had found them in the online community:
“Ash was such a genuine person who made an impression on not only me but many, including over 30 members of the club Ash founded and kept anchored. Extensive knowledge and passion for cosplay, along with constant kindness and support, defined Ash’s presence. It still does not feel real that such a beautiful soul has left us. Ash’s creativity and leadership continue to inspire this community that was built through dedication and heart. The club remains a safe space shaped by Ash’s vision and love for cosplay. UCLA’s cosplay club will remain forever grateful for the passion, care, and joy Ash brought to every meeting, event, and friendship.
“They were one of my biggest role models as a cosplayer. They inspired me to go out of my comfort zone and express myself freely, regardless of whatever expectations were enforced upon me.”
“[They] left such a positive impact on me and so many others. [They] were incredibly kind, talented, beautiful and so many other things I cant even hope to name them all here.”
“They have left an enduring impact on our staff, faculty and students in the Department of Gender Studies at UCLA that will always remind us to embrace the things that bring joy, and support each other and our community.”
“There are some people who teach us how to love just by the way they live. Ash walked through this world with quiet courage. Bringing laughter that shifted whole rooms, and compassion which lifted hearts that had forgotten how to hope, we remember Ash not just with tears, but with action — by choosing every day to live with bold love, kindness and compassion.”
May Ash’s memory be a revolution. Ash deserved better.
https://obituaries.forestlawn.com/obituaries/ashley-paxton
Ashtyn Tice, 17, Dothan, Alabama
Ashtyn Tice was born November 28, 2007. She died on February 8, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama.
She had a lifelong love of music and brought joy to everyone she met. She was described as having a heart of gold and a gift for uplifting others with kind words and heartfelt compliments. According to her social media, she was interested in drawing and studying plants, and was well loved by her friends. She has recently been working at a Mexican restaurant.
According to her obituary, she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, hard work, and caring, and the love she leaves behind is a comfort to those in her life.
May Ashtyn’s memory be a revolution. Ashtyn deserved better.
Source: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/staten-island-ny/ritin-chakrabarti-12574813
Asia Aviance, 53, Miami Beach
Asia Aviance was born on May 25, 1972, and died on October 21, 2025. She was a “drag pioneer” and a member of the House of Aviance, one of the longest continuously active vogue-ball Houses in the United States. She is remembered as an exemplar of Miami nightlife, having worked at numerous venues in Miami Beach.
Asia was described by a friend on Instagram as “fierce, beautiful, and full of light. She wasn’t just part of the scene; she was the scene — a true staple of our community who brought energy, glamour, and love wherever she went.”
Miami Beach declared November 13, 2025, as Asia Aviance Day in her honor.
May Asia’s memory be a revolution. She deserved better.
Source:https://www.instagram.com/p/DQUyqYGEaKU/
Aurora Pellegrina “Alexa”, “Luna”, 35, Lawnside, NJ
Aurora Pellegrina was born on September 21, 1991. She passed away in 2025.
Aurora understood herself as “a system”, and a person with dissociative identity disorder. She used separate pronouns for her separate identities. Aurora used she/her pronouns, Alexa used xe/xem or they/they pronouns, and Luna used fay/faer or they/them pronouns.
Though not much more is known about her or her life, she will be missed and made a difference in her community.
May Aurora’s memory be a revolution. Aurora deserved better.
Blair Sawyer, 27, Louisville, KY
Her mother writes, “Blair had a love for dragons, playing the piano and other instruments. Blair Graduated with honors from Excelsior Springs High School. Blair had a large extended family from Blair's online gaming and online artistic presence. Blair is survived by parents, Dale and Ruth and brother Sean as well as grandfather, aunts and uncles and cousins.” Though not much more is known about Blair, it’s clear that she was beloved by her family.
May Blair’s memory be a revolution. She deserved better.
Blake Sturm, 25, Roanoke, VA
Blake Sturm was a trans man and drag king. He was exceptionally creative and talented in many things including drawing, painting, cooking, acting, dancing and performing. He was working to organize among the few local drag kings in Roanoke, and the community misses his uplifting and bubbly presence. He was remembered with two memorial services.
According to SceneMag UK:
“Blake was known for entertaining crowds with his drag performances and creating a space of acceptance. His obituary paints a portrait of a person who embraced life with colour and courage. He was a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, a certified welder, and someone who found beauty in the overlooked and broken.”
May Blake’s memory be a revolution. He deserved better.
Blaze Aleczander Ball Mason, 17, Aurora, CO
Blaze Aleczander Balle-Mason was born on June 29, 2008. Blaze a transgender child who no longer lived with his family of origin, and, by many reports, “the system failed him”. Though not much is known about him or how he lived, particularly because he was so young, the LGBTQIA+ community of Aurora, CO mourned him and gathered in response to his death. His life was marked by challenges with mental health, which is understandable given the little information we know about his struggles to find a supportive family and community. He will be missed.
May Blaze’s memory be a revolution. Blaze deserved better.
Charlene Cook, 58, Oxford, MS
Charlene was born on March 6, 1968. She died on Friday, March 21, 2025, at her home in Oxford, Mississippi.
According to her obituary:
“She cherished days spent swimming at the lake, and quiet moments spent sitting in the sand watching the sunrises and sunsets. These peaceful moments spent in nature always provided Charlene with a sense of calm that she’d carry with her long after she’d left.”
“She held a love for animals, especially her cats and dogs, who all seemed to be drawn to her gentle and loving nature. A lover of music, Charlene was a talented guitarist who enjoyed practicing her craft and learning new chords. When she wasn’t listening to music, she loved to get lost in a good book.”
“She held a love for animals, especially her cats and dogs, who all seemed to be drawn to her gentle and loving nature. A lover of music, Charlene was a talented guitarist who enjoyed practicing her craft and learning new chords. When she wasn't listening to music, she loved to get lost in a good book. Charlene held her family and friends dear to her heart, expressing her love for them often through small acts, like picking small bouquets of flowers to gift to them.”
May Charlene’s memory be a revolution. Charlene deserved better
Source: https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/reports/2025/03/21/charlene-cook_oxford-mississippi-usa_fab69d28
Christina Hayes, 28, Detroit, Michigan
Christina Hayes was a 28 year old trans woman from Detroit, Michigan. Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center remembers her as a beloved member of the local trans community. Although not much information is available about her life, in photos available she is dressed in vibrant shades of pink with beautiful makeup.
The community rallied behind her death, with some advocates stating “it is the responsibility of society as a whole to create an environment where everyone can live openly and safely, free from fear and discrimination. In memory of Christina Hayes, her story serves as a call to action for all individuals to stand against hate and violence and to work toward a future where all lives are valued and protected. The journey for justice is just beginning, but it is one that must be undertaken collectively, with unwavering support for those who are most vulnerable.”
May Christina’s memory be a revolution. She deserved better.
Source: https://pridesource.com/article/christina-hayes-murder
https://michiganbailbondsman.net/teen-charged-with-hate-crime-in-murder-of-trans-women/
Dani C'Hair/Sunrhodes, 18, Anchorage, AK
Dani C'Hair was born on October 21, 2007, in Riverton, Wyoming, to Marilyn C'Hair and was lovingly raised by her mother, her grandmother Vera Ann C'Hair, her grandmother Rochelle C'Hair, and her grandfather Claude Duran, Sr.
Dani was ceremonial and took great pride in her Arapaho culture, enjoying attending powwows and community gatherings. She attended Arapaho School from kindergarten through eighth grade, St. Stephen's High School during ninth and eleventh grades, Arapaho Charter School for tenth grade, and Bartlett High School in Anchorage, Alaska, where she was expected to graduate in May of 2026.
Dani had a vibrant personality and many passions. She loved attending concerts, thrifting and shopping, baking, and drawing. She enjoyed traveling, watching movies, and creating TikToks. Dani loved long drives while listening to music, playing Fortnite and Minecraft, and spending time with friends and family. She also enjoyed watching anime, especially Danganronpa, and had a strong interest in fashion and creativity. She took pride in doing her makeup and expressing herself through her style.
Dani is survived by her large and loving family, including her mother Marilyn C'Hair, her father Cassey Tindall, and numerous brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, nieces, nephews, and extended family across the C'Hair, Duran, SunRhodes, and YellowBear families.
She will be deeply missed by her family and her community.
May Dani’s memory be a revolution. Dani deserved better.
Source:https://www.thedavisfuneralhome.com/home/obit/10827
Daniela Escobedo, 35, Las Vegas, NV
Daniela Analee Escobedo falleció el 12 de abril de 2026, a los 34 años de edad.
Daniela Analee Escobedo, 34, passed away on April 12, 2026. She was a bright light and a generous spirit who brought people together with love and authenticity.
Daniela lived her life to the fullest, fighting for what she believed in and never settling for less. She was known for her infectious joy, her sense of humor, and her unwavering support for those around her. Her friends remember her singing, her laughter, and the care she showed to everyone in her life.
Her friends shared these words of love and remembrance:
“I’ll cherish every second I had with you, you were the brightest light with the biggest heart and truly brought everyone together! You were just love in human form - fly high baby doll I love you and will miss you forever!”
“May you rest in peace. You did so much good, fought for what you felt was right, and never settled. I am celebrating your life—a life you lived to the fullest. I will always remember our singing days, the comedy, and the advice and well wishes you had for me and my kiddos. Por siempre en nuestros corazones, Prima. Gracias por quien eres, fuiste y siempre serás en mi corazón y mi mente. ¡Hasta Luego xq nos volveremos a ver en la Gloria de Dios! We will miss you and keep your memories close until we meet again.”
May Daniela’s memory be a revolution. Daniela deserved better.
Source:https://www.rosehills.com/obituaries/whittier-ca/daniela-escobedo-12837346
Danielle Spillman, 74, San Francisco
Danielle Spillman, 74, was a beloved elder in San Francisco's transgender community. She was a woman with one of the biggest, most compassionate hearts, whose gentle soul and musical talent left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Derrick Guerra, a caregiver with the Shanti Project, met with Spillman weekly at her 15th Street studio apartment. "She had one of the biggest, most compassionate hearts I've ever encountered," Guerra said. Spillman's generosity was evident in small, meaningful ways: the water bottles she carried to give to homeless people, the time she nursed an injured pigeon back to health. A few days before her death, she gave Guerra a CD of a 1973 live Grateful Dead concert. This gift embodied her spirit of sharing the music she loved.
Music was Danielle's great passion. Her apartment was filled with guitars, a banjo, and a ukulele. She was a fixture at Real Guitars, the neighborhood shop where she would spend several afternoons a week playing guitars and talking music history with staff and customers. Though she wasn't an employee, her presence was cherished. She even organized a holiday party for the staff, complete with pizza.
Ben Levin, who has owned Real Guitars for nearly 30 years and knew Spillman for about half that time, remembered her simply: "She'd end up at our store late in the afternoon, maybe three or four times a week, and she'd always hang. She would talk to the customers who'd come in. She loved guitar. She loved music. She was just a great person to have around."
May Danielle’s memory be a revolution. Danielle deserved better.
https://sfstandard.com/2026/04/17/dannielle-spillman-hit-and-run-sf/
Danny “Dusse” Siplin, 33, Rochester, NY
Danny "Dusse" Siplin, 33, was a cherished member of Rochester's LGBTQ+ community, known for his presence, spirit, and dedication to spaces centered on storytelling and justice.
Danny was deeply involved with the Avenue Blackbox Theatre, a company committed to amplifying the stories of LGBTQ+ people, BIPOC, and other marginalized communities. The theater group, known as Ave, honored Danny as "a member of our Ave family" and a "truly special individual," recognition that speaks to the impact he had on all who shared creative space with him.
The Western New York Ballroom Alliance extended their condolences to Danny's family and community, writing: "Danny's presence, spirit, and impact will never be forgotten. This loss is deeply felt, and we stand in love, solidarity, and remembrance with everyone mourning today."
His mother, Tiffany Howard, carries the depth of her love for her son: "You gonna always be my son love always Ma 🧡🖤🧡🖤"
Danny's legacy lives on in the communities he touched, in the stories he helped tell, and in the hearts of those who loved him.
Rest in power, Danny.
May Danny’s memory be a revolution. Danny deserved better.
Sources: https://www.reddit.com/r/transgender/comments/1q8o6o1/black_trans_man_danny_siplin_found_dead_in/
https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/reports/2025/12/26/danny-siplin_rochester-new-york-usa_2143f34a
Daphy Michel, 31, Pittsburgh, PA
Her name was Daphy Michel.
Daphy Michel, 31, was a Haitian immigrant whose journey brought her to the United States in 2022. Granted humanitarian parole for urgent humanitarian reasons, Daphy settled in Charleroi, Washington County, where she built a life surrounded by her brother and extended family.
Born on June 19, 1994, in Aquin, South Haiti, to Rio and Santha (Pierre-Louis) Michel, Daphy carried with her the values instilled in her from childhood: great respect, courage, and an abiding love for everyone she encountered. She was a person with a kind heart who loved her family deeply and was always ready to help those in need.
Those who knew Daphy remember a woman whose presence brought joy, happiness, and light into their lives. She moved through the world with genuine warmth and a willingness to show up for others. In a new country, far from her birthplace, Daphy created connections rooted in the same compassion and care that defined her since childhood.
May Daphy’s memory be a revolution. Daphy deserved better.
Sources: https://www.schrock-hogan.com/obituary/Daphy-Michel https://www.pghlesbian.com/2026/03/daphy-michel-deserves-to-be-alive-ice-thought-otherwise/
Davonta Curtis, 31, Chicago, IL
Davonta Curtis, 31, was a bright light in her community, a woman of resilience who navigated a world that was not always kind with grace, humor, and an unwavering presence for those who loved her.
Those who knew Davonta describe the profound impact she had simply by showing up. "Davonta was the kind of person who could walk into a room and immediately make you feel seen," says a close friend. "She deserved to grow old, to see her dreams through, and to live without the constant shadow of fear that haunts so many of us."
Davonta remained connected and visible to her community, building a life rooted in resilience despite the challenges she faced. She brought warmth and authenticity to her relationships, a presence that mattered deeply to those around her.
Her legacy is one of strength, visibility, and the profound impact of being truly seen by another person.
May Davonta’s memory be a revolution. Davonta deserved better.
Source: https://www.them.us/story/black-trans-woman-davonta-curtis-killed-in-her-chicago-apartment
Deniz Cakir, 35, Detroit, MI
Deniz Cakir was a queer trans man who fiercely advocated for Black trans women, Palestinian liberation and social justice. They inspired solidarity and activism in their community.
According to a memorial post by their partner:
“Though we are mourning, let it be known that our 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.”
May Deniz’s memory be a revolution. They deserved better.
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPmSRepkXjg/
Dream Johnson, 28, Washington, DC
Dream Johnson was born in Washington, D.C., and was the first of six children. Her mother, Iris Terrell, was just 14 years old when she gave birth to her. Family members described Dream as joyful and vibrant from a young age, with her aunt Angie Terrell recalling that they "grew up together"
Public tributes described Dream Johnson as a radiant spirit filled with love, laughter, and courage, who lived her truth unapologetically. Her aunt described her as a playful, vibrant person who was destined to be outspoken. In a world where so many are still bound by hatred and fear, Dream shone brightly, embodying the journey of living one's truth unapologetically.
Her memory was honoured with a candlelight vigil lighting up the Anacostia River Trail.
May Dream’s memory be a revolution. She deserved better.
Source: https://www.gofundme.com/f/honor-dream-johnson-support-her-memorial
Emma Elizabeth Lara, 42, Wayland, Michigan
Emma Elizabeth Lara, 42, passed away on August 14, 2025. She was a devoted mother, fiancée, and member of her community.
Emma worked as a part-time team member at Meijer on 54th Street in Grand Rapids, where she was known for her helpful spirit and willingness to lend a hand. Her passions extended beyond work into a life filled with diverse interests and skills. Emma had a genuine love for working on vehicles and anything automotive. She was an accomplished cook and was truly a jack of all trades, always ready to help others whenever they needed her.
Emma is survived by her five children: daughters Natalie Lara, Chloee Lara, and Brooklyn Lara, and sons Carter Lara and Hunter Lara. She is also survived by her loving fiancée, Selena Hudson.
Emma's legacy is one of care, skill, and a life devoted to her family and community.
May Emma Elizabeth’s memory be a revolution. Emma Elizabeth deserved better.
Emma Slabach, 24, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Born April 15, 2001, Emma was the daughter of Jeremy and Tracy Slabach. Emma graduated from Northrop High School in 2019 and attended Purdue Fort Wayne for her freshman year. She loved music and performing from a very young age. From the moment she held her PaBow’s guitar as a young toddler she could pick out a tune. Minutes after picking up the instrument Happy Birthday could be heard being plucked slowly from the strings. She also had a deep love for all things gaming and a natural talent for technology. When she wasn’t on stage delivering powerful performances, she could often be found behind a screen, mastering complex game mechanics, building custom PCs, or exploring the latest in cutting-edge tech.
Emma is survived by her sister, Evelyn (Benjamin) Short; brother, Justin McDonald; grandparents, Thomas and Carolyn Marhoover; nephews, Braxtyn and Roman Short; uncles, Richard (Ronetta) Marhoover, Cliff (Cheryl) Miller, Doug (Dawn) Slabach, Loren Miller, Scotland Slabach; aunts, Vietta (Doug) Delagrange, Monica (Kevin) Gingerich, Bonnie (Josh) Roth; cousins, Emily Marhoover, Cole (Britney) Miller, Collin Miller, Carsten Miller, Christian Miller, Greta Slabach, Juliana Slabach, Stephanie (Jesse) Workman, Krista (Dustin) Washler, Evan (Janelle) Delagrange, Erica Gingerich, Logan Gingerich, Caleb (Tenille) Roth, Kallie Roth and Corbin Roth; and numerous other great aunts and uncles and cousins. Owen was preceded in death by his grandparents, Owen and Evelyn Slabach, and Stanley and Carolyn Miller; great grandparents, Raymond and Lois Bow.
May Emma’s memory be a revolution. Emma deserved better.
Source: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/fort-wayne-in/owen-slabach-12412351
Eryka Caldwell, 41, Brooklyn, NY
Eryka Caldwell was a black, proud transgender woman who moved from Kentucky to NY at the age of 18, completing her bachelor’s degree in 2023 from Bellevue University. She was beloved by her Bushwick community and her family and friends, who held a beautiful memorial for her.
According to her obituary, Eryka was “a soul who loved deeply and fiercely. She leaves behind a family and circle of loved ones who will forever carry her spirit, her humor, and her unconditional love in their hearts.
Eryka's love lives on through her father, Lyman Trumbo; her children, Damonte', Mark, and Kevin; and her "redheaded step-kids," Dae'von and Dyamend, whom she loved as her own.”
According to them.us:
“If there was just a monster or evil, she still tried to find the smallest good in that person,” she said. “And this time, [there] just was no good for her to find or her to fix.”
Caldwell described herself as a “lover of everything sappy & mushy” in her Instagram bio and frequently shared upbeat captions on her social media.
“To whoever I am important to,” she wrote in December 2023, “I love you.”
May Eryka’s memory be a revolution. Eryka deserved better.
Source:https://www.them.us/story/eryka-caldwell-sister-domestic-violence-jonathan-fernandez
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/eryka-caldwell-obituary?id=61560424
Eugene “Gene” Gragg, 34, Brooklyn, NY
Eugene "Gene" Gragg, 34, left an indelible mark on every community they touched. Remembered by those who knew them best as someone whose presence transformed spaces, Gene brought an effervescent warmth and genuine care to their work and relationships.
Gene's commitment to service began early. As a YMCA Volunteer of the Year (2009), Gene established the first teen center at the YMCA of Stonestown in San Francisco, dedicating themselves to outreach and recruitment that would help young people access vital community resources.
A graduate of California State University Channel Islands with a degree in Psychology (2017), Gene brought those skills into practice through their work in organizational leadership. A trusted voice in any room, Gene specialized in fostering trust across all levels, troubleshooting obstacles to morale, and facilitating difficult conversations with genuine care. Colleagues knew Gene as someone who championed community and brought empathy and diligence to every challenge.
A friend who worked closely with Gene captured their essence perfectly: "They brought the most sparkling and shimmering energy to every space they touched. I think I used the word 'effervescent' multiple times in the first performance review I wrote them, and that's the word that continues to come to mind when I think of this beautiful soul. May you rest in peace, Gene. I will never forget the way you made the people around you feel."
Gene's legacy is one of service, joy, and profound human connection.
May Eugene’s memory be a revolution. Eugene deserved better.
Source: https://sfist.com/2025/11/24/sf-native-mysteriously-disappears-in-nevada-desert/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-gragg/
Faye Cannon, 23, American Fork, Utah
Faye Cannon, 23, was a prolific writer, a passionate reader, and a cherished member of the trans community in Utah. She was well loved for her empathy, kindness, and compassion.
Born on July 26, 2002, in Morristown, Vermont, to Katherine and Michael Cannon, Faye spent her early childhood in Hyde Park with her parents, her sister Kaia, and beloved pets. She was a talented artist from a young age, expressing her imagination through painting and drawing, creating elaborate worlds and intricate creations. She had a deep love for reading and an early gift for storytelling.
When Faye was 10, her family relocated to Salt Lake City. There, her passion for drawing grew into a profound love for writing. She discovered a gifted talent for storytelling and creativity that would define her life.
Faye's love for reading and writing led her to a position at the Salt Lake City Library as a library aide, a role that allowed her to contribute to the space she cherished. While she chose to keep much of her writing private, she recently began publishing some of her work online. She was profoundly moved when readers reached out to share how her writing had impacted them. Her passions also included fighting games and Warhammer.
Those who knew Faye remember her empathy, her kindness, and her creative spirit that touched everyone she met. She gave the best hugs. Though her time was far too short, she leaves behind a lasting legacy in the hearts of her family, her friends, and all who have been moved through her writing.
Faye is survived by her parents, Katherine and Michael Cannon; her sister, Kaia; her maternal grandparents, Patrick and Antonia Williams; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends who cherished her.
May Faye’s memory be a revolution. Faye deserved better.
Source: https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/reports/2025/09/28/faye-cannon_american-fork-utah-usa_ddeb641d
Gabrielle “Cam” Nguyen, Colorado
Gabrielle "Cam" Nguyen, 21, was an agender lesbian college student with a passion for speech and debate, authentic Vietnamese cooking, and thoughtful connection with those they loved.
Gabrielle attended West Chester University in Pennsylvania, where they were an active member of the WCU Speech and Debate team. Their love for the art of communication and persuasion shaped their future aspirations. Gabrielle planned to become a speech and debate coach and pursued a graduate degree in Communications to further their impact in this field.
Beyond their academic pursuits, Gabrielle had a vibrant personality and diverse passions. They loved anything pink, enjoyed LOONA, and took pride in cooking authentic Vietnamese food for those they cared about. Gabrielle was known for their knack for writing, one that often culminated in long, thoughtful letters shared with loved ones. These letters reflected the care and intention Gabrielle brought to their relationships.
Those who knew Gabrielle remember an individual dedicated to lifting up others through communication, creativity, and genuine presence.
May Gabrielle’s memory be a revolution. They deserved better.
Source: https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/reports/2025/06/22/gabrielle-nguyen-cam_colorado-usa_2ca0843e
Girlalala Harrison, 21, Tampa, FL
Girlalala, 21, was a beloved TikTok creator, hairstylist, and influential voice in beauty and culture. She passed away on November 14, 2025.
With over 235,000 followers on TikTok and 41,000 followers on Instagram, Girlalala built a devoted community through her boldness, energy, humor, and authentic self-expression. She worked as a hairstylist in Pompano Beach, Florida, where she shared her creativity and passion for beauty with clients and followers alike.
Girlalala was known for her generous spirit and her genuine care for those around her. She never missed a chance to show love to the people in her life.
Rapper JT paid tribute to Girlalala on Instagram, writing: "Rest beautiful girlala! We love you and Heaven will never be boring now that you are there, your boldness, energy, humor and beauty will be missed! You never missed a chance to show me love and for that I'm forever grateful. I'm sorry this happened to you!"
Roughly 100 people gathered in her memory, carrying pink balloons and wearing shirts printed with her image, reflecting on her profound impact and the grief left behind. “She loved the feeling of making people smile, making people happy,” said friend Jazzmann Lasane. “Everybody who knows her, I would say they look up to her, they respect her.”
Girlalala's legacy is one of creativity, boldness, and a life lived authentically. Her impact on those who knew her and those who followed her will endure.
May Girlalala’s memory be a revolution. She deserved better.
Source:https://people.com/tiktok-star-girlalala-dead-at-21-11851223
Harvey Ferris, 19, Schenevus, NY
Harvey’s friends and family say he could cure any mood with a hug. His love was unmeasurable. His presence was just a joy to be around. His smile could capture so many hearts. He enjoyed longboarding on any open road, snowboarding on fresh powder if it meant a day with family and friends, scary movies, Harry Potter, concerts, NASCAR, motorcycles, hiking, collecting rocks, Legos, and anything Halloween.
Harvey worked as a rockwall/adventure instructor along with the maintenance crew at The Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown. Harvey's infectious smile and big heart carried through his work in every kid he ever met. When not at the sports center he was pursuing a career in welding and wanted to be a tattoo artist.
Harvey was a 2023 graduate of Schenevus Central School and the ONC BOCES welding program. He was a member of the cross-country and track teams at Schenevus. One of his proudest moments was being selected to be on homecoming court by his peers.
Harvey is loved and survived by his parents, Kristina Buscema and William and Heather Ferris; beloved sister, Kathryn Ferris; multiple grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and his closest friends.
May Harvey’s memory be a revolution. Harvey deserved better.
Source:https://www.lhpfuneralhome.com/obituary/harvey-ferris
Hope Youngblood, 49,
Los Angeles, CA
Hope Youngblood was a multidisciplinary immersive artist, director, and experience designer known for her work in immersive theatre and performance art. She was born May 16, 1976, in Mayfield, Kentucky, and attended Mayfield High School and Murray State University. Hope was a proud advocate for transgender rights, with her family emphasizing her identity as a source of joy and peace in her later years.
She had a prominent career in immersive theatre, serving as an original cast member and Resident Director of the award-winning production Sleep No More in New York City, Boston, and Shanghai, where she worked from 2018 to 2022. She also directed and created over 30 original immersive experiences, including The Death of Rasputin, a sold-out immersive show in New York, and immersive fashion shows for Valentino. Her work blended visual art, movement, narrative design, and spatial transformation to create transformative environments.
Hope was also a talented visual artist, writer, and musician, known as a gifted guitarist and avid record collector. She was involved in community-building initiatives, organizing clothing swaps, feeding people in need, and directing galas for nonprofit arts groups. She is remembered as a creative visionary and a dedicated advocate for her community.
Hope is survived by her parents, Wayne and Phyllis Youngblood of Mayfield; her brother, Tony Youngblood of Nashville; and many other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by paternal grandparents, Gay and Edith Smith Youngblood of Mayfield, and maternal grandparents James and Juanita Bowling of Martinsville, Virginia.
May Hope’s memory be a revolution. She deserved better.
Source: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/mayfield-messenger/name/hope-youngblood-obituary?id=58763397
https://hopeyoungblood.org/https://www.pghlesbian.com/2025/06/trans-woman-hope-youngblood-49-killed-on-los-angeles-highway/
Indigo Greene, 28, Seattle, WA
Born in Alabama, Indigo Greene was a trans woman, a witch, a vegan, a lover of art and dancing and creation, a fighter and a wanderer. “She took people into her home when they needed support, helped feed the community, saved others from the brink of death, and was a shining light and model for what someone should be,” says her fiance Mia Larotonda, a fellow trans woman.
Greene was a crew member of Impact Foundation, a nonprofit created in 2022 and dedicated to Seattle’s underground LGBTQ+ music and arts. She was also known for being a compassionate, dedicated member of her queer mutual aid network.
She is survived by a community of friends and loved ones that miss her greatly, including her fiance Mia, who is fighting a legal battle to have Indigo’s burial wishes honored.
May Indigo’s memory be a revolution. Indigo deserved better.
Jadyn Kimsel, 16, Howell, MI
Remembered by his friends:
“Jadyn was a strong man, who was always true to himself. He was always there to support his friends in need. He was a constant light in our lives. He was very active within the friend group, always talking, chatting, sending memes and whatever else. He was a member of the swim team, where he would always try to push himself to get his times down. He was also a member of Howell Highschool Alliance Community, where he was always laughing, smiling, and ready to help. He would put his heart and soul into everything he did.
“He would always express himself with his music, especially songs from Mitski, Radiohead, Will Wood, and Linkin Park. He would watch shows and anime with his favorite being the rookie, he especially loved Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford. He loved Stranger things and was a huge Byler stan. He had recently gotten into JJK, The Pitt, and was rewatching AOT. He loved to use Snapchat filters, taking pictures of himself and others. He loved playing Roblox with friends especially Grow a Garden, and Adopt me. He would always be drinking a monster, celcius, or coffee from Dunkins. He was amazing at pixel art, making some stunning creations.
“When asked ‘What is your reason, the thing that keeps you going?’ He said ‘So I can be remembered as a man.’ (February 8th, 2026). I hope he knows that we do, and that is how we will remember him. As him living as his authentic self.”
May Jadyn’s memory be a revolution. Jadyn deserved better.
Source: https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/reports/2026/03/03/jadyn-kimsel_howell-michigan-usa_aca145f1
Jax Gratton, 34, Lakewood, Colorado
Jax Gratton was a 34-year-old transgender woman and a beloved Denver hairstylist known for her work at Solera Salon Suites, where she built a devoted following for more than 900 clients, particularly among trans women who valued her empathy and shared experience. Her work provided not just aesthetic transformation but emotional affirmation, confidence, and visibility for her clients, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.
After coming out in 2016, she became a vocal advocate for transgender rights, educating others about gender identity and using her journey to empower people. She openly shared her medical transition and personal milestones, including celebrating one year of sobriety in March 2023, inspiring others through vulnerability and resilience. She actively participated in protests against anti-trans legislation and used social media to advocate for her community, embodying courage and dignity in the face of adversity.
She frequently offered free haircuts to transgender women, unhoused individuals, and people in recovery, demonstrating her commitment to uplifting marginalized people. Her presence at LGBTQ+ spaces like Rainbow Alley helped guide and support younger community members.
Jax viewed hairstyling as an art form and also engaged in creative projects, such as designing avant-garde fashion pieces—like a dress made from a seatbelt symbolizing her gender journey—showcasing her bold self-expression and creativity.
At her memorial service, speaker after speaker made it clear that honoring Jax means more than remembrance; it means resistance.
"Jax didn't want to just live for herself," said Brother Ken Unity Keeper. "She wanted to make the world better, safer, kinder, more just for every trans person who has been made to feel invisible or unsafe. She wanted her story, her voice, and her fight to be a beacon, a call to action. Let her legacy be that call."
May Jax’s memory be a revolution. She deserved better.
Source: https://www.rmpbs.org/blogs/community-action/jax-gratton-remembrance
https://www.instagram.com/studiobyjax/https://www.denvervoice.org/archive/2025/6/10/jax-gratton-loved-and-was-loved-her-legacy-demands-justice
Jay Taylor, 13, Gig Harbor, WA
Jay began living as a boy at age 10, and came out slowly, joining online support groups for queer and trans children, which he found very helpful. Trying to build community with peers who were fans of “Folk punk, Midwestern emo, stuff like that,” he relied on group chats to connect with people all over the world.
He crocheted competitively with others in livestreams, and “loved talking with other young people online” according to his mother. She shared an Etsy account with Jay, where they sold his crocheted and knitted creations. He loved listening to Green Day records with his dad, and hiking trips with his two older brothers and younger brother. He kept a parrot named Melon.
May Jay’s memory be a revolution. Jay deserved better.
Jet Leyva, 19, Portland, OR
From Jet’s mother, who says she uses “a variety of pronouns here to try to honor the detail of Jet’s internal experiences as expressed to me:
“Jet was and is beautiful. Jet cared incredibly deeply for music, art, community, time spent climbing trees and jumping from rock to rock, and for the people and animals in his life. Deep late night walks and talks with Jet have been one of the greatest joys of my life. Somehow I think I’ll be taking those walks for the rest of my life. I am so glad I am Jet’s mama, and always will be. Jet is forever. Her music, his relationships with so many others, and that particular moment when she would light up with the silliest energy in the room. I love you, baby. Jet has a beloved brother, a wonderful dad, and so many kinds of family and found family who have their own beautiful way that Jet fit into and changed (and will keep changing) their lives and beings. He loved them all.
“This song is one of my favorites by Jet: stalls.bandcamp.com/track/wind It would be really cool if you listened to it. I may try to share it as a reel to make it easier, but you can hear a lot of his music after you listen to wind on her bandcamp.”
May Jet’s memory be a revolution. Jet deserved better.
Source: https://everloved.com/life-of/jet-leyva/; https://www.reddit.com/r/Portland/comments/1rh6x76/for_people_who_were_looking_for_my_child_jet
JJ Godbey, 26, Canton, OH
JJ was born and raised in the Canton, Ohio area. They graduated from Massillon Washington High School in 2017. Their social media lists Mariah Carey and Lady Gaga as favorites along with Pink and Ciara. JJ was also a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
JJ gave their first drag performance in September 2024. On their TikTok, they shared a video saying their interest in drag started very early. JJ was following their dreams and pursuing happiness as a drag performer, said JJ’s mother, Jackie Godbey.
"JJ was doing drag and getting shows. JJ had joined the LGBTQ+ community of Canton and absolutely adored all of them, and was thankful," she said. “This is [their] life and [they] were living [their] life."
JJ was very popular in the regional LGBTQ community – supporting causes and local businesses, as well as standing with the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting and supporting transgender rights. JJ was considered an excellent makeup artist, was named to homecoming court in high school and may have been in the band.
May JJ’s memory be a revolution. They deserved better.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/judge-raises-bond-1-5m-163440884.html and https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/reports/2025/06/19/jj-godbey_canton-ohio-usa_2a71b832
Jolyn Denning, 35, Utah
Jolyn was a transgender woman and activist. She was neurodivergent, loved dogs and worked in software development.
Born May 11, 1990, in San Diego, California, Jolyn graduated with a degree in Computer Science from Brigham Young University in 2014. She created single-spa, a useful tool for web developers, and Just Utah Coders, a nonprofit offering free computer programming services.
Jolyn was known for her infectious giggle which lit up every room she entered. She will be remembered as a skilled computer programmer, a thoughtful gift giver with a tender heart, a killer ping ponger, an even better tennis athlete, and a world-class Super Smash Brothers player. Jolyn was an avid hiker and traveler who enjoyed nature and thrived in the great outdoors. She had a pure love for animals, especially her dog Franklin, and adored spending time at the Tracy Aviary and Hogle Zoo.
Jolyn is survived by her parents, Rick and Laurie, her four siblings, Jeffrey Denning of Austin, Texas, Jillian Denning of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Jenna Ditto of South Jordan, Utah, and Jessica Crandall of Riverton, Utah.
May Jolyn’s memory be a revolution. Jolyn deserved better.
Source: https://www.broomheadfuneralhome.com/obituary/joel-denning, https://www.facebook.com/joel.denning/
Jonathan Joss, 59, San Antonio, TX
Jonathan Joss, an actor known for playing Chief Ken Hotate in the sitcom "Parks and Recreation" and for voicing John Redcorn in the animated sitcom "King of the Hill," was killed June 1, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 59. He died defending his husband, a trans man, from a homophobic attack.
Joss entered the world of acting after earning a theater degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in Texas, making his on-screen debut in the 1995 film "8 Seconds." Other notable roles include Chief Ken Hotate in "Parks and Recreation" and young Raymond Firewalker in "Walker, Texas Ranger," as well as appearances in "Charmed," "ER," and the films "True Grit" and "The Magnificent Seven." Joss was killed by a neighbor who had previously argued with Joss and his husband multiple times, allegedly targeting them for their sexual orientation.
"Jonathan is my husband. He gave me more love in our time together than most people ever get. We were newlyweds. We picked Valentines Day. We were in the process of looking for a trailer and planning our future," his husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, said on Facebook. "I was with him when he passed. I told him how much he was loved. To everyone who supported him, his fans, his friends, know that he valued you deeply. He saw you as family."
May Jonathan’s memory be a revolution. He and his husband deserved better.
Source: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/jonathan-joss-obituary?pid=209182923
Juniper Blessing, 19, Seattle, WA
Juniper Blessing was a five-octave range singer, violinist, climate justice warrior and polyglot (speaker of multiple languages).
Born in Princeton, NJ, she moved to New Mexico to pursue a degree from the New Mexico School for the Arts. At UofW, Juniper majored in atmospheric and climate science, minoring in music and philosophy. She knew multiple languages, including German, French, and Italian, and in the summers she made time to work at the Santa Fe Opera. Recordings of her incredible voice have circulated widely online, notably renditions of the Italian aria “Se tu m’ami” and “Wildflowers” by Tom Petty.
To her family, Juniper was “ simply the most amazing human being we have ever known: highly intelligent, extremely talented, and deeply sensitive to the needs of others.” She was “a gifted singer with a transcendent voice.”
In her mother’s words: “Know that she was pure love.”
May Juniper’s memory be a revolution. Juniper deserved better.
Source: https://www.them.us/story/santa-fe-juniper-blessing-memorial-trans-uw-student
Kamora Woods, 27, Indianapolis, IN
Kamora was born in Flint, Michigan. She relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana.
Kamora's mother described her as “very loved,” an animal-lover who could make anyone laugh. Someone with a big heart and a life cut far too short.
“She had no problem letting it be known she’s transgender. My daughter was not that type of person. I know there’s a lot of people out there that’s quick to say, ‘Well, she probably didn’t reveal it.’ No. Not with my daughter,” Danielle Dehoniesto said. “Regardless of her sexuality, regardless of what she was doing, it doesn’t make it right for somebody to take her life and make excuses for it.”
“Love your child. Accept your child for who they are because life is too short,” Dehoniesto said. “You don’t know what can happen.”
Kamora had recently reconnected with her father, Carlos, who spoke at her memorial saying “Kamora, my dear daughter, I am so deeply sorry this happened to you. You were so young, with your whole life ahead of you, a future full of endless possibilities. As with any father who has just found their long lost child, all I wanted to do was help you and support you and protect you.”
May Kamora’s memory be a revolution. She deserved better.
Sources: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1098134982244670 and https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/reports/2025/06/27/kamora-woods_indianapolis-usa_a24ac8ba
Kasi Rhea ("Kaeyy Holmes"), 31, Lynchburg, VA
Kasi went to Heritage High School and studied at Strayer University. She used the nickname Kaeyy Holmes.
In her family’s video memorial of Kasi, they wrote, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. We love and miss you so much!”
Dozens of friends and family wrote on Kasi’s memorial page:
“Kasi, I never thought in a million years that your beautiful life would end so diabolical as you would say. Every moment we had was a memory! You are very loved and cherished cousin. Words can't explain the heartbreak that I have. I miss and love you dearly. Heaven gained an angel with energy unmatched.”
“I will never forget your smile and your beautiful, BEAUTIFUL hair!! You definitely were one of a kind. You loved everyone that loved you❤️ I pray you knew how loved you were by so many and I pray that you found peace!”
According to her social media profiles, Kasi was open about her struggle with depression. She professed herself a woman of faith. It also appears she was a talented and highly sought after hair stylist for children and adults.
Kasi was very into being a Scorpio and followed multiple astrology pages. Her music tastes include Cardi B, Ciara, and Missy Elliott.
Kasi’s Facebook page refers to her being married, but does not identify her spouse.
May Kasi Rhea’s memory be a revolution. She deserved better.
Source: https://www.tharpfuneralhome.com/obituaries/kasim-holmes and https://www.pghlesbian.com/2025/08/31-year-old-hairstylist-and-black-trans-woman-kasi-rhea-shot-dead-in-lynchburg-virginia/
Kia-Leigh Tabitha Roberts, 55,
West Valley City, UT
Kia-Leigh Tabitha Roberts, a proud transgender woman, was known for her warmth, her intellect, and her desire to connect with others. She was a friend to many and a source of light in her friend’s lives. Kai-Leigh was born in Pasadena, Texas, and resided in West Valley, Utah until June of 2025. She was a light in the lives of her friends, penpals, found family, children, and grandchildren. Shy but sweet, Kia-Leigh loved engaging with the transgender community in all capacities, especially circles of trans sisterhood, and often opened her heart to share what she experienced.
She had a special fondness for her dog Simba the Second, red lipstick, watermelon-flavored gum, LiveWire Mountain Dew, manicures, science fiction, and the character Tigger from Winnie the Pooh, whose boundless energy and joy mirrored her own playful spirit.
Kia-Leigh served a Spanish-speaking mission in Los Angeles, California. Her spirituality remained an important part of her life. She studied electrology and dreamed of helping others through affirming service to help others feel at home in their bodies. She graduated from Brigham Young University, proudly graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English. Her poetry explored her transition and her pursuit of becoming her highest self. She is remembered by many for her philosophies about life, outlooks on the world and humanity, and for sharing her insights and inner workings.
May Kia-Leigh’s memory be a revolution. Kia-Leigh deserved better.
Source: https://www.qsaltlake.com/news/2025/08/05/kia-leigh-tabitha-roberts/
Kiara St. James, 53,
New York, NY
According to Gay City News:
“St. James was likely in her early 50s when she died, although her exact birthdate is unknown. At the time of her passing, St. James served on the NYC Commission on Gender Equity, the Transgender Law Center’s Positively Trans National Advisory Board, the Black Women Health Initiative board, and on the board of the Monica Roberts Resource Center in Houston, Texas.
NYTAG mourned St. James in an Instagram post announcing her death. The organization hailed St. James as “a relentless force for justice whose work transformed countless lives across New York State and beyond.”
“Her legacy lives on in every life she touched, every barrier she helped dismantle, and every voice she uplifted,” NYTAG wrote. “We are profoundly grateful for her courage, her vision, and her unwavering commitment to justice. We remain steadfast and dedicated to carrying forward the mission she so passionately advanced as stewards of her legacy.”
Other organizations, including the statewide LGBTQ group New Pride Agenda, also praised St. James’ legacy.
“New Pride Agenda is heartbroken by the passing of Kiara St. James — a founder and a true architect of trans liberation,” New Pride Agenda wrote in an Instagram post. “Kiara was a force who built New York Transgender Advocacy Group (NYTAG), frontlined the effort to pass the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and the Repeal of Walking While Trans Ban, and helped advocate for the Lorena Borjas Trans Wellness and Equity Fund. She has left her fingerprints on every win in our community. Rest in Power, Kiara.””
May Kiara’s memory be a revolution. Kiara deserved better.
Source: Personal conversation with family, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiara_St._James, https://gaycitynews.com/kiara-st-james-nytag-dies-trans-community-mourns/
Lanessa Rodriguez, 33,
Fort Pierce, FL
Lanessa Rodriguez was of Puerto Rican heritage, with family in South Florida. She was a long-time member of the Palm Beach County trans community. Lanessa was described by friends as a "feisty, amazing woman” and “a beautiful human being". She was a hardworking businesswoman who had “finally fallen into her own.” She was an entrepreneur chasing her dreams and successfully opened two stores, one just before her death.
Taylor, a transgender woman and a high-profile drag performer, said Rodriguez “had a heart of gold. I was so proud of her as a trans woman watching her coming up with her business partner,” Taylor said. “It's crazy because as soon as a trans woman starts … looking ahead for her family and growing, they try to hurt us.”
“Lanessa helped everyone,” said Dominique Taylor, 44, of St. Lucie County. “Lanessa would take her shirt off her back so you can eat.”
Nayomy Nomelin, 36, of Boynton Beach, considered Rodriguez her best friend. The two share a birthday. Nomelin described Rodriguez as an “incredible person with a huge heart.” She said Rodriguez had two sisters and a brother. She was close with her family, and doted on her grandmother. News coverage quoted Nayomy describing her as “a powerhouse, confident, and goal driven.” “She was energy.”
May Lanessa’s memory be a revolution. Lanessa deserved better.
Source: https://www.wpbf.com/article/fort-pierce-florida-homicide-lanessa-rodriguez/71244673
Laura Schueler, 47, Cincinnati, OH
Laura Scheuler was a Black trans woman, and a well-known and respected member of the Cincinnati queer community. Her friend described her as the Beyoncé of their city and said, “You put out the red carpet when you see Miss Laura.” Laura was loyal to her friends and always there to support them, no matter what. She loved spending time in nature and fashion.
Her family remembers her: “Laura Schueler was born on November 26, 1977, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the parents of Melanie Griffith-Taylor and Lawrence Bogie.
“Laura ‘Ms. Good’ Schueler’s light shined bright from the first day that she was born. Her smile, kindness, positive outlook on life, and willingness to uplift others lit up every room that she stepped foot in. She was our personal Dr. Doolittle! She loved animals and has literally nursed some back to good health, allowing them to live long, healthy lives. Most importantly, Laura did not play about her family. She loved her family dearly and took great pride in making sure that they were good at all times.
Laura graduated from Northwest High School and went on to receive a degree in Business Administration from Southwestern College. She became a personal stylist, fashion consultant, and make-up artist for several of her family, friends, and colleagues. Laura had the ability to make anybody feel and look good. She is responsible for many successful photoshoots and fashion show looks across the city, gaining a reputation for creating custom, unique pieces from scraps. She was truly one of a kind and will be missed dearly.
Laura leaves to cherish her memory: her siblings whom she was a second mom to, Duron, Reggina, and Bridget Taylor; husband Joe Schueler; fur-babies, Hersey, Bandit, Venus, and Pound Cake; siblings, Evan, Brandon, and Cameron Bogie; grandmother, LaVerne Griffith; among other friends and family.
May Laura’s memory be a revolution. She deserved better.
Source: https://thompsonhalljordan.com/obituary/laura-schueler/ https://nbjc.org/nbjc-mourns-the-stolen-life-of-laura-schueler/
Lia Smith, 21, Middlebury, VT
Born on March 7, 2004, in Berkeley, California, Lia is the beloved daughter of Gregory C. Smith and Keith E. Purcell. After graduating from Sacred Heart Preparatory (Atherton), Lia attended Middlebury College, where she was a senior pursuing a double major in Computer Science and Statistics, a diver on the Women’s Swimming and Diving team, a member of the LGBTQ+, Bridge, Chess, and Japanese clubs, and a strong advocate of transgender rights.
From 2012 to 2023, Lia competed in, placed, or won numerous diving competitions at the local, state, regional, and national levels. In addition, she received various other awards, including the Rotary Club of Menlo Park Academic Achievement Award (2022), a Blue-Ribbon Award (SHP, 2022), and the Sean McLarry Fine Arts Scholarship Award (SHP, 2021). With a strong commitment to service, Lia enjoyed serving as a teacher’s assistant at the Peninsula Bridge, where she received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (Bronze, 2022).
Lia was fascinated by the histories of China, Japan and Medieval Europe, and she enjoyed eating fine or ethnic foods such as lobster, sushi, and poke. She enjoyed anime, adored her cat, Edgar, loved playing Bridge and complex board games, and delighted in just hanging out with her girlfriends. Lia will be remembered for her deep sense of empathy, her clever puns, her keen mind, particularly with respect to analytical matters, her robust and infectious laugh, her love of poetry and music, which she performed both as an accomplished pianist and trombonist, and perhaps most importantly, her undaunted courage.
Lia is survived by her sisters, Olivia P. Smith and Evelyn P. Smith. Lia will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.
May Lia’s memory be a revolution. She deserved better.
Source: https://www.forevermissed.com/lia-purcell-smith-/about
Lillia Holland, 19, Portland, OR
Lillia grew up in Texas and moved to Portland, Oregon shortly after her 19th birthday hoping for change and a community where she could feel safe.
Most information available is from Lillia’s social media accounts, where she introduced herself in August 2025 as “IM LILLIA AND IM SUPER GAY IN A WLW WAY”, with her bio also describing this as her “silly account where I can be silly.” She tweeted about having her first kiss in August, and on September 5 that she was going out in fem clothes for the first time ever. The following day she “went to a t4t event, it was so nice i got lots of compliments.” A few days later she posted selfies revealing herself as a woman of color with an Afro, nose piercing, and wearing a necklace with a snake around a cross (sometimes called a Brazen Serpent). In one selfie she posed with a pile of stuffed sharks at Ikea.
Lillia wrote that she “would always try to spread positivity in a world full of hate and contempt whenever I could,” despite her own pain. She aspired to make a place where those in need could feel welcome and loved regardless of the lives they had lived.
May Lillia’s memory be a revolution. Lillia deserved better.
Source: https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/reports/2025/09/09/lillia-holland_portland-oregon-usa_3e7755a6, https://x.com/TiredTakodachi
Lily-Dawn Harkins, Colorado
Lily-Dawn Harkins "Chi/L Nguyen" (She/Her) was a transgender woman who recently graduated with her degree in supply chain management. Recognized as a genius for her IQ of over 140, she loved Magic the Gathering, cooking (and burning) food for her loved ones, volunteering for local organizations, and giving back to others in any way she could. She was fluent in German, and known for her absurdist humor and infectious smile and laugh. She and her partner Gabrielle “Cam” Nguyen passed on the same day.
Debate Team teammates wrote about them, “It would be impossible to name every group that they inspired and were beloved by, but we know that their absence has been felt deeply in the forensics community. Lily and Gabrielle were two of the most fiercely passionate and profoundly generous people our team have ever had the honor of knowing. Lily’s skills in argumentation put onlookers in awe and she devoted serious time and effort to sharing her knowledge and methods with our team so that we might use them both in round and apply it to our professional lives as well. Gabrielle was a master of rhetoric in both limited preparation and interp events, weaving powerful stories that make advocacy not just understandable, but genuinely impactful.
It is not possible to list every way that their friendship shaped us collectively. They were both so deeply complex and multifaceted that no singular post or caption could possibly capture their influence…
We miss them every day and are happy to have shared such a constructive and welcoming community with them.”
May Lily Dawn’s memory be a revolution. She deserved better.
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNyEax6XBv0/ and https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/reports/2025/06/22/lily-dawn-harkins_colorado-usa_f57d8258
Lillyette Caleb Prophet, 34,
Topanga Canyon, CA
Lilyette Caleb Prophet, “Lily,” passed away on November 22nd 2025 at 34 years old. She was a multifaceted creative, media producer, and trans rights advocate based in California. Notably, Lilyette co-hosted the podcast How to Train Your TRANNY and worked as the Head of Video Production at Collaborative Strategies Consulting.
Lilyette’s brother Christopher wrote that “Lily had an incredible, harrowing, blessed, cursed, joyous, tormented, beautiful, hateful, jubilant, honest, deceitful, selfless, entirely human journey. She embarked brilliantly into the full spectrum of experience and contributed an incredible burst of expression to the universe. She was larger than life and hilarious and prodigiously talented. She left an indelible mark on the lives of all who knew and loved her and will be impossibly missed. We were best friends and partners in music and mischief. I loved her so much.”
A friend wrote, “We will always have the amazing music she left behind. She always had big words and big plans. She would be your hype man in the most unrealistic way until you had to believe what she was saying. Every moment I got to spend with her was a little nugget I’ll never forget. One of the most talented people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. I hope there’s an afterlife and she’s up there waiting for all of us for the encore.”
This is a song called, “Perfect Entropy” that Lillyette wrote.
May Lillyette’s memory be a revolution. Lillyette deserved better.
Source: https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/reports/2025/09/09/lillia-holland_portland-oregon-usa_3e7755a6
Lucas Redbeard Knapp, 39,
New Mexico
Lucas RedBeard Knapp was born in New Jersey and lived in Florida, Oregon, and Boston before settling in Candy Kitchen, New Mexico. In Lucas’s own words: “Lucas RedBeard here. Queer ND enby transmasc who loves farming (KNF anyone?), watershed restoration work, fermentation, cooking (and eating!) good food, music, hiking, archery, animals, foraging, building, writing and smokin bomb herb.” Lucas went to Seminole High School and studied at Emerson College. He identified as a Chef, Fermenter, Natural Farmer/Builder, and Educator. At the time of his death, he lived i n West Central NM, on Zuni, Diné and Pueblos Territories. According to friends he acquired land there around 2019 after he spent time at the Zuni Mountain Sanctuary with the Radical Faeries. He founded Misfit Kitchen Gardens. an educational, high-desert farm in West Central New Mexico with a focus on landback support, food sovereignty, and sustainable practices. According to his social media, he had worked for an array of local food oriented companies, spent time learning about native plants, was deeply involved in ecological projects, and committed to the vision. Lucas described it as collective liberation through food.
Post after post on social media celebrates the many facets of Lucas’ life – he left a trail of friends across the country who are united in their grief. Memorials have been organized in Boston, Portland, Florida, and more. One friend wrote “I remember well that to be around him felt like I, and anyone else in the room, were his closest friends and family just to be together with him. Every time he visited my place felt like a little celebration, he was impish and had the most inviting, ear to ear grin when he’d greet you. The energy he radiated was stunningly unique, bright, loving, curious, not to mention devastatingly funny….. to hear this happened to someone who brought so much light to so many people is really hard to fathom.”
May Lucas’s memory be a revolution. Lucas deserved better.
Source:https://www.pghlesbian.com/2026/05/the-killing-of-trans-man-lucas-redbeard-knapp-in-rural-new-mexico-teaches-us-about-visibility/
Lynn Spencer, 21, Arizona
Since Lynn was not yet out to her disapproving grandparents, the memorial we have is from a dear person in her life:
“Lynn was a caring and loving person, and having her gone has made every day without her feel as if something is always missing… Often, Lynn spent time with her best friend Ryan and their related groups. She was active in online communities and forum pages, and left an impact on everyone that she met. She had dreams of moving away with her friends, traveling by motor bike to different locations and settling in a house full of cats one day. I wish to have her simply be remembered, and to be known as Lynn, as a final gift to give her.”
This sticker image is Lynn’s design:
May Lynn’s memory be a revolution. Lynn deserved better.
Source:https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/reports/2025/08/24/lynn-spencer_arizona-usa_63d822f9
Madeline Adelaide Moore ("Mads"), 27, Louisville, KY
Mads Moore was a Louisville native who was living and working in that city at the time of her death.
Mads was a multitalented artist throughout her life, entertaining family and friends with magic, stories, and art. She was out to and supported by her family: parents, siblings, step-family, uncles, and grandparents. She also found community in queer and gaming spaces, in person and online, and with her co-workers at the Louisville Free Public Library.
Mads was a creative force, finding meaning and delight in art, writing, world building, queer community, culture and history, and video and tabletop games. She was a talented Game Master, an obsessive and dazzling narrative artist, and a dedicated, sweet friend. She brought joy to those around her with her brilliance, wit, sassiness, and empathy.
Her friends shared these thoughts in an online memorial:
“Madeline was a good friend of mine… She was a star in our eyes. One of the most intelligent, kind, compassionate, and all around amazing people I have ever had the pleasure of speaking to. I will never forget her.”
“Madeline was the magician for my daughter's third birthday party. She loved kids, and made magic for the little kids with her tricks, bubbles, and jokes…. She was a bright creative spark who will be missed and loved forever.”
May Mads’s memory be a revolution. Mads deserved better.
Source: https://www.courier-journal.com/obituaries/psbn1356434
Madeline Cassandra Stensrud ("Maddie"), Erie, CO
Maddie was described by her parents as “a happy child and the darling of all of her teachers in school.” Maddie spent her life in Colorado, living with her family and her dog, Riley. She collected friends who remained connected to her for the rest of her life, including a high school group affectionately known as “Maddie’s Boys”.
Maddie’s wife describes the arc of their relationship: “Maddie and I met in 2017 at a crepes shop and bonded immediately over Maddie’s favorite author at the time, Brandon Sanderson... I proposed to her at a renaissance fair with a sword engraved “Marry Me”. (Maddie was always a gal who loved swords.) When our son, Elliot was born, Maddie was the perfect support person. She cried with me when things got to be too much and I could see how much she hated seeing me in pain.”
Maddie was a devoted mother to Elliot. She brought him to museums and cultivated his wonder for the world and created a child-friendly adaptation of DND so she could share that with her son. She and her wife married in 2022, writing their own vows and walking down the aisle to an instrumental song from Maddie’s favorite movie, The Princess Bride.
Maddie had a beautiful and creative mind, and she loved playing DND with friends. She was an incredible world builder - so good, in fact, she earned the cursed title of “Forever DM” because she was asked to lead any group she joined. Maddie was a photographer who found beauty in the smallest of things. She liked taking selfies on people’s phones when they weren’t looking, leaving little traces of her wherever she went. You could always count on Maddie to tell a good story or craft an amazing joke.
Maddie’s wife continues: “How do you sum up the life of a person in just a few paragraphs? Her favorite color was Royal Blue, her favorite bird was a Shrike, her favorite board game was Settlers of Catan, her favorite video game was Skyrim, her favorite food was a perfectly cooked (rare) steak. All of these little things made up the person that was Maddie. She always went out of her way to make the people she loved smile. She was an artist, a prankster, a gamer, the most wonderful person someone could ever meet. The world is a little darker without her in it, the stars won’t shine nearly as bright. Maddie is survived by myself, her son, her parents, and her best friend Cat, who will be sure to carry on her legacy and memory.”
May Maddie’s memory be a revolution. Maddie deserved better.
Marisol “Mari” Payero, 22, Kennesaw, GA
Mari was a senior at Kennesaw State University studying History Education at the time of her death, and President of the school’s Kennesaw Pride Alliance (KPA). “Known as Mari, she was one of the brightest and well-known voices in our campus community,” KPA wrote in a statement. “She had worked with Kennesaw Pride Alliance for years as an incredibly passionate person who tried her best to ensure events and programs were the best they could be. Mari put as much effort as possible into making KPA a place for all, advocating for events that pulled in voices of intersectionality,” including working with a local tribal council to boost members of the Coharie Tribe of North Carolina, and collaborating with Queer Spirituality to spread voices of many different kinds of spiritual and religious organizations.
Mari was of Dominican and Argentinian descent and a practicing Celtic Druid. Her friends and family remember her as having a bright smile and a natural gift for humor, a lover of Argentina and the color blue, and interested in dying languages and the recreation of the Taíno language.
“She was sly and full of humor, a hard worker, a friend of many,” KPA said. “If you talked to her long enough, she could get through five topics without you having any input yourself. She was a fellow drinker of coffee with no sugar. She loved her students, often bringing them up in conversation; she loved her friends, you could not have a conversation with her without her mentioning them. She was the most organized of us currently in the Kennesaw Pride Alliance board, and we don’t know what to do without her. She was a lovely, vibrant, messy person, and we want to do anything we can to remember her as her whole self.”
Noël Heatherland, the Statewide Organizing Manager for Georgia Equality and a friend of Mari’s, said: “Marisol isn’t just another death. She was a person, a human, a daughter, a sister, a friend. She was in her last semester, and we will never get to see what she would have done in the world after graduating.”
May Marisol’s memory be a revolution. Marisol deserved better.
Sources: https://roughdraftatlanta.com/2025/11/04/marisol-payero-kennesaw-pride-alliance/
https://theksusentinel.com/2025/11/11/she-made-a-space-for-everyone-ksu-community-honors-marisol-payero/
Miles Phipps, 15, Urbandale, IA
“Miles was special. He was unique. He was vibrant,” says his mother, Ashely Campbell. "He had a knack for lighting up a room with his smile.” His friends agree: ”Miles had such a big and beautiful heart. He will be missed always and forever.” and “I always looked forward to seeing him in my classes. He made them so fun and brightened the room.”
Miles also brought joy to others’ lives through small gifts and tokens that he made or found. During one school year, Miles saved up money to buy 100 fuzzy worm string toys, then passed them out and told people to give the fuzzies names as pets. He turned some of the fuzzies into earrings for his friends as a special gesture.
Miles loved the arts, music, cooking, and riding “anything with wheels." Through his original guitar melodies, he could express thoughts and feelings that words didn’t always capture. He enjoyed being outdoors and fishing, and spending time indoors experimenting in the kitchen. He also loved prepping for and attending Comicon, where he could “let his creativity run wild and have fun being himself.”
Near the end of his life, his love of bicycle riding led him to join The Dream Team, a program that partners teens and kids with adult mentors. They build relationships, learn life skills, and grow while training for and taking part in RAGBRAI, a week-long non-competitive bicycle tour across the state.
Miles completed his first RAGBRAI in the summer of 2025. His mother said that participating in that group as his authentic self helped him with the struggles he was having at school. A friend in RAGBRAI said, “I’ll miss miles so much. He was the kind of person who would make you laugh, he will always cheer you on. And I remember when I completed RAGBRAI he congratulated me and gave me a high five. Next year when I do RAGBRAI again I’ll always remember him and I’ll complete RAGBRAI just for him.”
In Miles’ honor, his mother Ashley has worked with Iowa Safe Schools to distribute signs encouraging kindness and love to all, including to yourself: “I don’t want kids to continue to feel like they — or people — don’t belong just for being unique and for being themselves, because that’s not okay,” said Campbell.
May Miles’s memory be a revolution. Miles deserved better.
Sources: https://www.kcci.com/article/urbandale-mother-calls-for-kindness-after-sons-death/69548059
https://www.caldwellparrish.com/obituaries/miles-phipps
Nathaniel Pabón Cruz ("Nata"), 27, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
Nathaniel “Nata” Pabón Cruz, 27, was a Puerto Rican activist, organizer, and advocate dedicated to queer, trans, and disability justice. Through his work with La Sombrilla Cuir and Gesta Amatista, Nata brought attention to often overlooked issues including harm reduction, problematic substance use, transmedicalism, and disability justice.
Nata helped develop “Jáyate Fest,” a community-centered initiative created through Gesta Amatista, and later co-founded “Archivo Cuir,” a project focused on preserving dissident gender and sexual memory. As a student and activist at the University of Puerto Rico, he advocated fiercely for the rights and dignity of trans and nonbinary people.
Nata spoke openly about the pain felt within the trans community, saying, “I don’t want visibility. What I want is for everyone to be treated as human beings and to have rights, and for them to listen to us when we speak to others.”
Nata is remembered for his compassion, vision, and unwavering commitment to uplifting marginalized voices. His legacy continues through the communities and movements they helped shape. May he rest in power.
May Nata’s memory be a revolution. Nata deserved better.
Onyx Cornish, 18, Caldwell, Idaho
Onyx Cornish was a queer and trans teenager shot and killed in Caldwell, Idaho. Known by friends as a radiant person living authentically, Onyx’s life was tragically taken at the age of 18. They are described by family as “Kind, compassionate, and someone who always put others first.” Onyx was always very close with their brother, Rain, who will miss Onyx dearly. Onyx had recently celebrated getting sober in 2024 and starting a new job. Onyx proudly shared their queerness and genderqueerness across social media where their posts also reflected many of the things that brought them joy such as writing and poetry, fashion, alt rock music, make up, and their beloved cat, Sami.
May Onyx’s memory be a revolution. Onyx deserved better.
Source:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiQiIduLmsI
https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/reports/2025/08/18/onyx-cornish_caldwell-idaho-usa_04e431a4
Robyn James Post, 48,
Erie, PA
Robyn James Post 48, Erie, PA was a dedicated public health nurse whose career reflected a deep commitment to caring for others and strengthening community health.
Robyn began his nursing career at the Cleveland Clinic and later worked as a traveling nurse in Tucson, bringing clinical skill and compassion to patients in diverse settings. He served as a public health nurse with the Erie County Health Department, where his work supported population health, prevention efforts, and access to care.
He earned a Liberal Arts degree in Graphic Design from Mercyhurst University and later completed his LPN and RN training at Cuyahoga Community College. His unique path blended creativity with clinical practice, shaping a thoughtful and holistic approach to nursing.
Robyn will always be remembered for his professionalism, humor, adventurous spirit, and unwavering kindness. He is honored for his service to public health and the many lives he impacted.
May Robyn’s memory be a revolution. Robyn deserved better.
Source:https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/reports/2025/08/19/robyn-james-post_erie-pennsylvania-usa_07c964db
Rosa Machuca, 24, Austin, TX
Rosa Machuca was a trans woman shot and killed in Austin, Texas. Rosa was loved by her friends and family, known for always being helpful and kind. Described as the “sunshine of my life” by her fiancée, Kim Dang, whose relationship with Rosa was sadly cut short after spending 11 wonderful years together, starting in high school. Rosa was an aspiring journalist following her high school internship with PBS in Washington, D.C. She had begun to pursue that dream at UT Austin until after her first year she made the heartfelt decision to put school on hold and get a job to help support her family in a time of need. “I feel like my greatest honor was to be loved by her.” – fiancée, Kim Dang.
May Rosa’s memory be a revolution. She deserved better.
Source:
https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/reports/2025/08/11/rosa-machuca_austin-texas-usa_615a715d
Rosaline Mattaboni, 22,
Millersville, PA
Rosaline “Rose” Mattaboni passed away on December 28, 2025.
Born in Harrisburg and raised in Carlisle, Rose was intelligent, kind, friendly, vibrant and compassionate, who “never met a stranger” according to her family. She had a way of making everyone she met feel comfortable and welcome. After leaving Carlisle High School, she went on to graduate from Millersville University with a degree in Computer Science.
She loved Pokemon, music, and creating beaded jewelry. According to her peers, Rose loved cooking and “hosting movie nights and dinner with friends.” She impacted many, even a barista who found her “a fresh breath of air from all the busy commotion that would be happening at the cafe.”
A long-time close friend and travel companion notes among her favorite memories “the trip we took to England and France, particularly the time we spent together in St. Malo. […] May her memory be a blessing to you; it certainly is one to me.”
May Rosaline’s memory be a revolution. Rosaline deserved better.
Source:https://www.snyderfuneralhome.com/obituaries/rosaline-mattaboni
Ryan Enrique Skates, 16, Berkeley, MI
Ryan passed away on February 18, 2025. He was an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ and women's rights, who friends and family described as a kind and compassionate kid who could always make people smile and laugh.
Ryan was a proud member of the ROHS Cross Country and Track teams, and a strong supporter of his teammates. He participated in the school’s theater club as part of the technical crew, and outside of school was also a member of the Stagecrafters Youth Theater. Beyond theater, he also volunteered at the Royal Oak Public Library and the Detroit Zoo summer camp.
Stagecrafters described him as a beloved member of their theater family: “Ryan brought light and laughter to those around him, sharing his offbeat sense of humor and unwavering kindness. As a passionate member of our lighting team, he helped illuminate our stage—just as he brightened the lives of so many.”
In the words of his cousin Kyle, “Your fearless attitude and selflessness to advocate for others will be carried on by many, myself included.”
May Ryan’s memory be a revolution. Ryan deserved better.
Source: https://www.sawyerfuller.com/obituaries/Ryan-Enrique-Skates?obId=37449075
Rylie Autumn Heart, 40,
Homestead, PA
Rylie Autumn Heart passed away on Feb 10, 2026. Her family described her as a truly special person, and one of the most intelligent, compassionate, and kind human beings you could ever meet.
“She had a rare ability to truly see people, and she made a lasting difference in the lives of so many. Helping others wasn’t just something she believed in—it was something she lived every day. Our family had the privilege of sharing nearly four decades of life with her, filled with laughter, deep conversations, and unconditional love. What never changed—no matter what—was who she was at her core: someone full of love, curiosity, and a genuine desire to make the world a better place. That is how we will always remember her.”
In her Instagram account description, she quoted Leonard Cohen’s song “Anthem”: “There is a crack, a crack in everything—that’s how the light gets in.”
May Rylie’s memory be a revolution. Rylie deserved better.
Source: https://www.psmuseum.org/psam/queer-arcana-joseph-liatela
Sabrina Gonzales Vasquez, 35
Los Angeles, CA
Sabrina Gonzales Vasquez passed away on August 14, 2025. She had brown hair and brown eyes, with tattoos across her torso, neck, and face. Authorities and journalists were unable to reach family or connect with those who knew her, so we give her these pronouns and remembrance as a trans Latina based on the context of her name, of her makeup, of everything we have in the absence of statements from those who recall her as she lived. We remember her by the final image available to us of her face: bright eyeshadow and stark liner, the bold outline of her lips, and the bleached blond tips of her dark hair as it approached her shoulders.
May Sabrina’s memory be a revolution. Sabrina deserved better.
Source: https://www.pghlesbian.com/2025/12/trans-latina-sabrina-gonzales-vasquez-found-dead-in-los-angeles-in-august-2025-no-one-has-claimed-her-body/
Sasha Whittaker, 20,
Salt Lake City, UT
Sasha was born on March 22, 2005, in Fairbanks, Alaska, and grew up in Healy surrounded by family, adventure, and curiosity. It’s clear how much her family and community loved her from the length and contents of her obituary. Here are some excerpts:
“Sasha’s insatiable curiosity continued into her teenage years. After a limited number of piano lessons, Sasha gave up on learning to read music and instead began to learn by ear (often in the car), rushing to the piano to play it as soon as she got home. No musical genre was too niche for Sasha’s tastes. She was equally at home playing video game themes and washing machine cycle sounds as she was navigating the majestic swells of Nessun Dorma. Sasha competed a comedic monologue at State Drama Festival in 2022, and received the Region 15 Drama Best Actor award for 2022-2023. Sasha graduated from Providence Hall High School in 2023, and the friendships forged within those walls were the most meaningful of her short life.”
“Sasha was an excellent cook and delighted her family with recipes gleaned from YouTube. In the final weeks before her passing, she was energized by a new job in food service and working on her baking skills in her spare time. She baked bread at home and borrowed the fire pits of friends and neighbors as she learned how to make cheese bread on a campfire.
She was blessed to have known romantic love and to have formed deep friendships with a diverse group of amazing people spanning her many interests. Her verve for life was infectious, and everything she did, she always wanted to do better. She would teach you how to become great at Smash Bros or chess, because she loved to teach, and because her victory would be so much the sweeter if she knew you were also playing at your best. Sasha loved nothing more than talking nerdy with his family, gently teasing them with a grin on her face and a sparkle in her eyes. Her generous heart was known and loved by all.
Twenty years were not enough. If love could have kept you alive, you would have lived forever.”
May Sasha’s memory be a revolution. Sasha deserved better.
Source: https://www.larkinmortuary.com/obituary/view/alex-miles-whittaker/
Scarlett, 21, Hawthorne, NV
Scarlett passed away on September 21st, 2025. She is remembered as a deeply loving person who served as a source of support and care through hard times.
She is memorialized in an email to the TDoR Remembering Our Dead website, by a friend who wrote in to express her grief and love for Scarlett:
“She was in rural nevada which no one knew her for her besides me and I want all the allies to know who she was and how beautiful she was as a person. We would stay on the phone all night if one of us was having a hard time, visiting was always a treat”
“She was such a loving soul,” the sender wrote, “and I want her love to be felt across the community”
May Scarlett’s memory be a revolution. Scarlett deserved better.
Source: https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/reports/2025/09/21/scarlett_hawthorne-nevada-usa_91ee3310
Shyyell Diamond Sanches McCray, 42, Petersburn, VA
Shyyell Diamond Sanchez-McCray, also known as Mable, died on March 13, 2026. Shyyell was a frequent competitor in drag pageants, an LGBTQ+ community advocate, and a peer counselor, deeply embedded within local advocacy and community as evidenced by numerous social media posts communicating with neighbors and sharing events and local news.
There has been considerable variance in representation of Shyyell’s gender across the many obituaries paying remembrance, and Shyyell’s personal facebook page offers a complex story of its own, with images documenting rhinoplasty and facial feminization surgery in late 2025 and a throwback photo posted early 2026 with a caption of “Back in my transwomen era”.
In Shyyell’s own words from a message in 2022, “Just wanted to leave you with some love in the case I don’t make it to see tomorrow. I love you and proud of you… always remain true to who you are.”
May Shyyell’s memory be a revolution. Shyyell deserved better.
Source: https://www.pghlesbian.com/2026/03/the-violent-death-of-black-trans-woman-shyyell-diamond-sanchez-mccray-first-reported-homicide-this-year/
Spotsie King, 29, Dunnellon, FL
“Known by many names — Spot, Spotzie, Momma Spotzie, Hailey, and more — they were a wonderful, giving person who touched countless lives,” Spot’s grandmother Louise Singleton, shared. “As a proud member of the Transgender LGBTQ+ community, they embraced their true self and brought warmth and kindness to everyone they met.”
“Despite facing many challenges, including a developmental disability and the struggle to regain Social Security disability payments, they never let hardship stop them from helping others,” Louise Singleton wrote. “Even though they owned little, they would give anyone the shirt off their back.”
May Spotsie’s memory be a revolution. Spotsie deserved better.
Source: https://www.ocala-news.com/2026/05/06/homicide-of-transgender-29-year-old-being-investigated-by-marion-detectives/
Summer Mehta, 17, Palo Alto, CA
Summer Devi Mehta loved D&D, theatre, her dogs, Minecraft, Smosh, hip hop music (except Yung Gravy), and her family and friends. She knew everything about everything - she could answer just about any question from "What's the PSI of a bike tire" to "What's the capital of Trinidad and Tobago." She had all the countries of the world, and their flags and capitals memorized. She liked to play board games with her family. Her favorite was Chameleon, but she liked everything by Big Potato Games. She liked the days when she felt pretty, when she felt like her gender was visible not only on the inside, but the outside.
Summer was born on New Year's Eve, 2008 to two loving parents, Monica Gupta Mehta and Nick Mehta, and an older sister, Asha Lily Mehta. She spent her early years in Sunnyvale, California, with her sister and parents.
Summer did Tai Kwon Do for a few years. She ended up stopping, but she liked it for a while. She loved martial arts because they helped ground her when her emotions were too overwhelming.Summer loved Star Wars SO MUCH as a kid. She had all the Star Wars encyclopedias, and pretty much as soon as she could read, she began memorizing them.
Summer LOVED New York City. She wanted to live there when she grew up. She wanted to live there and work in stage tech. She loved theater more than anything, and she wanted to be involved in it in any way she could. She wanted to go to school for Stage Tech - she wanted to go to NYU Tisch - and she wanted to work on Broadway plays and live the city girl life.
Summer was the FIERCEST Elphaba you've ever seen! Even when she was in ensemble, she found a way to steal the show with her comical facial expressions and brilliant physical comedy. Theater made her so happy. She loved her friends there, and she loved the amount of work required - she liked working really hard on something and feeling like she was doing something tangible.
May Summer’s memory be a revolution. Summer deserved better.
Source: https://give.thetrevorproject.org/fundraiser/6961929
Sydney Lou Walden, 30, Lancaster, PA
Sydney Lou Walden aged 30, of Lancaster, PA, passed from this life to the next on March 24, 2026. Throughout her life, Sydney journeyed courageously in many directions, seeking a meaningful place in this world.
She enjoyed music and nature, and in her time with us she came to champion important causes like protecting our planet’s natural beauty, as well as dignity and equality for all people.
Sydney developed into a strong self-advocate and will be remembered for her kind heart, her compassion and her love of family. Her mantra later in life was, “All will be well.”
She is survived by her mother and brothers and a loving, extended family.
May Sydney’s memory be a revolution. Sydney deserved better.
Source: https://www.snyderfuneralhome.com/obituaries/sydney-walden
Tessa June, 21,
Baltimore, MD
Tessa was a 21 year old from North Carolina who loved music, kayaking, and traveling.
According to her parents, “Tessa was a gentle and kind soul, who loved to read and had aspirations to become a published author someday. She cared deeply about those around her, and the world at large, and was always willing to help out any way she was able. She enjoyed traveling and good food, was especially fond of cats, and spending time online, gaming and chatting with her friends. She had a love for eclectic music, complex and thought provoking stories, took joy in simple and lovely things, and was incredibly intelligent and hardworking. She enjoyed kayaking and spending time in nature, and just being in the presence of loved ones on a regular basis."
Tessa was deeply loved by her friends and family. Her parents express comfort in the fact that Tessa felt safe and supported to be her authentic self.
May Tessa’s memory be a revolution. Tessa deserved better.
Source: Remembering Our Dead - Tessa June (4 Jun 2025)
Tiara Love Tori Jackson, 37,
Charlotte, NC
Tiara was originally from Saginaw, Michigan but she relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2021. She was active in her community, regularly participating in KiKi Balls and helping with local Black Pride events. She filled her life with music, friends, and laughter. She was working in the healthcare industry at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center.
“Tiara was unapologetically herself. Raw. Real. Relentless,” A friend said in a memorial post on Facebook, “So today, we honor Sis. Tiara not just with our tears, but with our lives. If you loved her, live like her unapologetically, with open doors, with a car full of souls, and with a faith that doesn’t miss a beat.”
May Tiara’s memory be a revolution. She deserved better.
Source: Remembering Our Dead - Tiara Love Tori Jackson (26 Sep 2025)
Wenne Davis, 60, New York, NY
Wenne was born on October 18, 1965 in Durham, North Carolina. After graduating from Northern High School in 1984, Wenne obtained their bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1988, majoring in journalism and advertising. They were also on the women’s fencing and softball teams.
Following college, Wendy moved to New York City where they worked for an advertising agency. Later, they worked as a sales representative for a golf apparel company. This job gave them the opportunity to travel the states of New York and Florida. Wenne then went on to work at various upscale restaurants in New York City and even received their international bartending license. While doing this, they had side jobs doing stand up comedy and acting roles. Wenne appeared in various television shows including “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, “Blindspot”, “Rescue Me”, “The Normal Heart”, and “New Amsterdam”. For the past 18 years, Wenne worked at the JFK airport as a U. S. Customs and Border Protection officer - a job they very much enjoyed.
In their minimal spare time, Wenne could be found working out in the gym, attending their boxing classes, applying for acting and comedy bits and spending time with their furry child, Roxie. Wenne lived to have fun, enjoying the little things in life and embracing each new adventure with a free spirit and clear focus.
Davis listed they/them pronouns on their Instagram profile, but friends have used she/her pronouns.
“I can only describe Wenne Davis as a bright light,” the actor’s agent, Jamie Harris of Clear Talent Group, said in a statement to The Advocate. “She had a huge love for New York, for acting, and, most of all, for her family and her circle of friends (which was also huge). She was someone for whom friendliness and kindness were not what she did but more who she was as a person. I’ve talked to many of her friends in the past few days and all of them spoke of her generous spirit and love of life. We all agree that she had much more to do in her career as an actor and her life. Literally, no one I’ve spoken to can believe that she’s no longer with us. She will be greatly missed.”
May Wenne’s memory be a revolution. Wenne deserved better.
Source: https://www.pghlesbian.com/2025/12/nonbinary-actor-wenne-davis-walked-across-a-new-york-city-street-killed-by-a-suv/