Trans Lives Should Matter While We’re Still Here
The article is a first-person essay by a trans writer reflecting on the ongoing epidemic of violence against trans women, particularly Black trans women, in the United States. The author recounts ghostwriting obituaries for trans victims, including Josie Berrios, who was burned alive by her boyfriend. Recent murders of Perisa Conway, Erykah Cadwell, Marlow Trottie, and Shyyell Diamond Sanchez-McCray are noted, often unreported outside LGBTQ+ media. The 2023 murder of Brianna Ghey in the UK is referenced, along with the stabbing death of Juniper Blessing in her dorm and the death of Murry Foust at Northern Kentucky University. The author criticizes systemic transphobia and the current administration's anti-trans legislation. The piece ends with a reflection on Morgan Bassichis's show "Can I Be Frank?" and the need for both militancy and mourning, quoting Douglas Crimp's 1989 essay.
Key facts
- Josie Berrios, a trans woman, was burned alive by her boyfriend.
- Perisa Conway, Erykah Cadwell, Marlow Trottie, and Shyyell Diamond Sanchez-McCray were murdered in recent months.
- Brianna Ghey was murdered in the UK in 2023.
- Juniper Blessing, a 19-year-old trans woman, was stabbed to death in her dorm laundry room.
- Murry Foust, a trans man at Northern Kentucky University, was found dead after going missing.
- Lia Smith, a trans swimmer in Vermont, died by suicide after being doxxed.
- Montana State Representative Zooey Zephyr was swatted by right-wing trolls.
- Morgan Bassichis performed the show 'Can I Be Frank?' which includes a portion of Douglas Crimp's essay 'Mourning and Militancy.'
Entities
Artists
- Morgan Bassichis
- Douglas Crimp
Institutions
- Vogue
- Northern Kentucky University
Locations
- United States
- Bushwick
- Louisiana
- UK
- Vermont
- Montana