HRC Mourns Fifty Bandz, Black Trans Woman Killed in Louisiana
HRC is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Fifty Bandz, a 21-year-old Black transgender woman who was shot to death in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on January 28. Her death is at least the fifth violent death of a transgender person in 2021. We say “at least” because too often these deaths go unreported or misreported. So far this year, four of the five known deaths have been Black transgender women.
Friends and advocates said Fifty Bandz’s name and released balloons to remember her life on February 1, and will also hold a memorial on Thursday evening. Many on Facebook have shared the sentiment “rest in peace,” with another saying “long live Fifty Bandz.” One friend shared, “When are we as a community going to do something?!”
HRC Mourns Bianca “Muffin” Bankz, Black Trans Woman Killed in Atlanta
HRC is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Bianca “Muffin” Bankz, a Black transgender woman in her early 30s who was killed in Atlanta, Georgia. Bianca, who was nicknamed Muffin by her close friends because of her love for blueberry muffins, was shot to death on January 17. Her death is at least the third violent death of a transgender or gender non-conforming person in 2021. We say “at least” because too often these deaths go unreported or misreported. HRC has also recently learned of a fourth death, that of Dominique Jackson in Mississippi, who was killed on January 25.
HRC is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dominique Jackson, a Black transgender woman who was shot to death in Jackson, Miss. on January 25. Her death is at least the third violent death of a transgender or gender non-conforming person in 2021. We say “at least” because too often these deaths go unreported or misreported.
HRC is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Tyianna Alexander, who was also known as Davarea Alexander, a 28-year-old Black transgender woman. Tyianna was shot to death in Chicago early in the morning on January 6.
HRC Mourns Courtney “Eshay” Key, Black Trans Woman Killed in Chicago
HRC is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Courtney “Eshay” Key, a 25-year-old Black transgender woman killed in Chicago, Illinois, on December 25. HRC has now tracked at least 43 deaths this year of transgender and gender non-conforming people. We say “at least” because too often these deaths go unreported or misreported.
According to the
, friends and family of Courtney described her as the “life of the party” and as “hilarious and determined.” Beverly Ross, a lifelong friend of Eshay, said “she wanted to be something. She wanted to beat the odds.” Many friends and family are sharing how much they will miss Eshay on social media.