A long time ago, I lived in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For three years. And being Mardi Gras today, my mind wanders that direction.

But this year, I’m thinking about something different – the three trans women who have been brutally murdered this past weeks. I wrote about Chyna and Ciara, both of whom were killed this weekend. And this morning, I learned about Jaquarrius Holland, also known as Pretty Brown.

According to Black Lives Matter: Houston, Jaquarrius Holland was killed in Monroe, Louisiana on February 19, 2017. Due to misgendering, her identity was not made known to the community until recently.

Jaquarrius is the third known trans woman of color whose death we’ve learned about this weekend, the fifth trans woman of color murdered in February and the sevenths trans woman of color murdered in 2017 so far.



From the media (misgendering at this link)

On February 19, 2017 at 8:00 PM Monroe police officers responded to a shooting that occurred at 3902 Grammont Street. Officers arrived at the scene and found a black [female] lying unconscious with a single gunshot wound to the head; the victim would be identified as Jaquarrius Holland. The investigation would reveal that Malcom Derricktavios Harvey got into a verbal altercation and shot Jaquarrius Holland; Harvey fled the scene prior to the officer’s arrival.

Anyone with any information regarding this situation should contact the Monroe Police Department at (318) 329-2600.

Jaquarrius was 18 years old. A crowdfundraiser established by friends describes her a young woman who worked fiercely to live her authentic life. They claim she went by the name #PrettyBrown. Another friend writes that she was newly transitioning and had support from her family.

My heart just breaks or continues to break as I think about losing an 18 year old child and loved one. So many young lives lost …

Rest in power, Jaquarrius Holland (Brown.) Your truth has come to light and your loss will be grieved by the community.

The list of trans neighbors killed in 2017 thus far.

And I must draw your attention also the officer related shooting death of a trans man in Western Pennsylvania

Sean Hake – Sharon, Pennsylvania (January 6), 23 years old