Transgender Woman Found Murdered in Detroit

A murder victim whose body was found in a trash can in Detroit November 8 has not been identified, but both LGBT advocates and police say the victim was a transgender woman.

“We are saddened and angry to hear of the murder of another transgender woman of color who has yet to be identified,” said Yvonne Siferd, director of victim services for Equality Michigan, an LGBT rights group, in a press release. “The undignified way in which her body was dumped speaks to the larger issue of antitransgender hostility in our society, and the vast amount of work we, as supporters of the LGBT communities, have in front of us. We know that transgender women of color are the most disproportionately affected by violence and hate against the LGBT communities, and this latest incident is a tragic reminder of that reality.”

The body was discovered by a mother and son looking for bottles and scraps in trash cans, according to Detroit TV station WJBK. The can was located in an alley behind a bar. Little information has been released on the nature of the victim’s injuries.

Equality Michigan points out that transgender people are at a higher risk of discrimination, harassment, and intimidation, compared with nontrans people. In light of this recent murder, other advocates are underlining this as well. View a WJBK report on the issue below.



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