Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

Within a week, Louisiana has lost two Black trans women to violence.

Shaki Peters, 32, of Denham Springs was found dead off of Opal Bennett Road on July 1, near the town of Amite City, according to information from the St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office. She was misgendered and deadnamed by law enforcement and media reports.

The body of Draya McCarty was found on an unspecified date in the week prior to Shaki’s death. Draya’s family reached out to Louisiana Trans Advocates because local law enforcement has not communicated with them and suspicious questions remain unaddressed.

Draya died somewhere in Baton Rouge. Her hometown is Hammond. I have not found details on her death.

When law enforcement refuses to be professional and accurate while investigating crimes involving the trans and LGBTQ community, they cause more harm – both to the survivors and the larger community. I will continue to follow these women’s stories to get more information.

We are five days into July and have three Black trans women whom have been killed this month. That’s also seven Black trans women since June 1. 2020 is proving to be even more horrifically violent for trans neighbors than any previous year.

Rest in power, Draya and Shaki. You both deserved lives filled with peace and the chance to experience all the world has to offer.

My list of transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary neighbors who have lost their lives to violent deaths in the US during 2020.

1. Dustin Parker – McAlester, Oklahoma. January 1, 2020. Age 25.
2. Alexa Negron Luciano – Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. February 24, 2020. Age 29.
3. Yampi Mendez Arocho – Moca, Puerto Rico, March 5, 2020. Age 19.
4. Monica Diamond – Charlotte, North Carolina. March 18, 2020. Age 34.
5. Lexi – Harlem, New York City, New York. March 28, 2020. Age 33.
6. Johanna Metzger – Baltimore, Maryland. April 1, 2020. Age 25.
7. Serena Angelique Velazquezz – Puerto Rico. April 22, 2020. Age 32.
8. Layla Pelaez – Puerto Rico. April 22, 2020. Age 21.
9. Penélope Díaz Ramírez – Puerto Rico. April 13, 2020. Age 31
10. Nina Pop – Sikeston, Missouri. May 3, 2020. Age 28.
11. Helle Jae O’Regan – San Antonio, Texas. May 6, 2020. Age 20.
12. Tony McDade – Tallahassee, Florida. May 27, 2020. Age 38.
13. Dominique Rem’mie Fells – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. June 8, 2020. Age 27.
14. Riah Milton – Liberty Township, Ohio. June 9, 2020. Age 25.
15. Selena Reyes Hernandez – Chicago. May 31, 2020. Age 37.
16. Brayla Stone – Sherwood, Arkansas. June 25, 2020. Age 17.
17. Merci Mack – Dallas, June 30, 2020. Age 22.
18. Jayne Thompson – Colorado, May 2020. Age 33.
19. Bree Black – Pompana Beach, Florida, July 3, 2020. Age 27.
20. Draya McCarty – Baton Rouge, Louisiana, July 2020. Age unknown.
21. Shaki Peters – Amite, Louisiana, July 1, 2020. Age 32.