First U.S. Transwoman Murder of 2019

[VickySGV]

Dana Martin, a 31 year old Black woman in Alabama ----

 

https://www.al.com/news/2019/01/alabama-woman-becomes-first-trans-person-reported-killed-in-2019.html

 

I suppose it was a matter of when, and not an "if". 

[Josie Beth]

I’m starting to think that some of these murders, especially the ones that never get solved, are actually specifically targeting transgender women in some kind of coordinated way nationwide. It’s time for us to step our game up and take measures to ensure that the cause can be identified beyond doubt, like taking precautions, making sure we develop habits to be accountable to others for our own protection: like communication with people who care about us if we are going on a date. Also trans women might need to start thinking about more actively recording video in their cars and audio in places that they might be in danger. But most of all start paying attention and never assume that we are safe. Being blissfully ignorant or taking risks that are sketchy is something that trans women should be self aware about. We can only do so much but it’s better to take ownership of our decisions than rely on society to protect us. It’s obvious that society isn’t going to protect us in every situation. Sad but true.