By Mila Madison

47-year old Stephanie Montez was found with multiple gunshot wounds to the chest, abdomen, and shoulder on County Road 61 near Robstown. The original report from the Caller Times had misgendered and deadnamed Montez, and it wasn’t until her long-time friend Brittany Ramirez came forward that her correct name and identity as a transgender woman was revealed.

The misgendering and deadnaming was first reported on by Kelli Busey of Planet Transgender, who called the police report “inexcusably transphobic.”

Here is an excerpt from the October 26th report:

Medical examiner Heraldo Pena said authorities initially believed the person was a woman; the person was wearing a dress and make up. They discovered later the person was male and that he had been shot in the chest, abdomen and a shoulder.

Ramirez came forward and spoke with the Caller Times who put out a second report on October 27th. "She used to like to dance," Ramirez said. "She really enjoyed life. She was one of the sweetest people you'll ever meet." The 44-year old Ramirez says she has known Montez for 30 years. “She just had a great outlook on life. She was very supportive of everyone," she also said. "I don't know why anybody would do this."

PFLAG Corpus Christi is hosting a Trans Rights Rally on November 4th to honor Montez’ memory and bring attention to the lack of LGBT protections in Texas.

From the event:

“Stand with the LGBTQIA+ community as we call for justice on behalf of the transgender community! Over 20 transgender individuals have been murdered in the U.S. this year alone. Last week, here in Corpus Christi, Stephanie Montez, a trans woman, was murdered. We must end this violence.

In Texas, gender identity isn’t covered under hate crime law the way sexuality is. In addition, in Corpus Christi, we are completely without nondiscrimination protections for either sexual orientation or gender identity

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=153456362058550&set=gm.1963332397270802&type=3&theater

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Stephanie Montez is the 22nd confirmed transgender person murdered this year.

Rest in power Stephanie Montez.

Here are the names of the 22 victims of transgender murders in 2017:

Mesha Caldwell, 41 years old

Jamie Lee Wounded Arrow, 28 years old

JoJo Striker, 23 years old

Jaqarrius Holland, 18 years old

Keke Collier, 24 years old

Chyna Gibson, 31 years old

Ciara McElveen, 21 years old

Alphonza Watson, 38 years old

Chay Reed, 28 years old

Kenneth Bostick, 59 years old

Sherrell Faulkner, 46 years old

Kenne McFadden, 26 years old

Josie Berrios, 28 years old

Ava Le’Ray Barrin, 17 years old

Ebony Morgan, 28 years old

TeeTee Dangerfield, 32 years old

Gwynevere River Song, 26 years old

Kiwi Herring, 30 years old

Kashmire Redd, 28 years old

Derricka Banner, 26 years old

Ally Lee Steinfeld, 17 years old

Stephanie Montez, 47 years old