Debates Rage On In The Media, In Politics & In The Courts But Black Trans People Continue To Die
We have written this headline or some version of it before. Trans lives are headline news in 2025. The Executive Orders, in Sports, in Schools, in Medicine and in passports. You can scarcely turn on the news or TikTok or go to the supermarket without debates raging about Trans lives. But Transmisia wasn’t born in January of 2025, nor did it ride in on a MAGA caravan, Trans folks have been being mistreated, neglected and murdered in this country for as long as they have existed- forever. As these debates and stances perched high upon moral high grounds rage on, Trans people, specially Black Trans people continue to die.
On the Blaque/OUT website the TRAII system lists, records and remembers each and every known murder of a Trans, Non-Binary or Gender Non-Conforming person since 2018. The pictures are haunting, the stories are heartbreaking and the stats are infuriating. The list continues to grow. Say the names and read the stories of the folks we’ve lost in just April, May, June and July of this year alone. Because if we don’t- who will?
Kelsey Elem
Kelsey Elem was a 25yr old Black Trans Woman who was murdered by her boyfriend in St. Louis, Missouri on April 24th. They argued, her partner punched her in the face and then shot her in fear that she would retaliate. He fled the scene in her vehicle and was later caught and charged with second degree murder, armed criminal action and domestic assault. Kelsey worked hard, almost always had multiple jobs and was able to move out on her own at just 18 because of her incredible work ethic and drive.
Shy’Parius Dupree
Shy'Parius Dupree, was a 32yr old Transmasculine man shot and killed in Frayser neighborhood of Memphis, TB on May 18th. He worked at Fed-Ex, as a youth counselor and at a grocery store. He had married for 3yrs, had a young son and daughter.
Karmin Wells
Karmin Wells was a 37yr old Black Transwoman who was a beloved member of the Detroit Ballroom Community. She was shot and killed in her own home on Detroit’s east side.
Laura Schueler
Laura Schueler was a 47 year old Black Transwoman murdered in the Cincinnati, Ohio area in the early morning hours of June 7th. She loved fashion and her friends which of course became family as folks in our community do. Laura was a victim of gun violence.
Dream Johnson
Dream Johnson was a 28-year-old Black Trans woman who was gunned down on Saturday, July 5, in the 2000 block of Benning Road NE in DC. Reportedly, three men approached her, called her a slur and started firing until they emptied the clip then fled the scene.
At least 11 Transgender people have been murdered in the United States in 2025. 10 were Black Trans Women, all were people of color.