From Planettransgender comes word of the death of yet another young Black trans woman. Bianca “Muffin” Bankz was 31 years old.
Bianca “Muffin” Bankz a trans woman of color was found murdered in her apartment Sunday, January 17, 2021. Details surrounding her death are murky, but friends say but that her life was taken by a man in her home, who ultimately took his own life.
Atlanta Police are investigating two deaths after the victims, described only as a male and a female, were found dead along a major Atlanta route on Sunday evening.
Police said they responded to the area of Joseph E. Boone Boulevard and Troy Street around 8:30 p.m. after a caller said he had found his friend shot inside an apartment.
Upon entry, police said they found a male and female dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Police added that one of the victims’ injuries appeared to be self-inflicted but didn’t say which. Authorities did not provide an age for the victims or suggest whether they were adults or juveniles.
Homicide detectives are investigating.
Muffin grew up in foster care and did not have a relationship with her biological family. Her best friend and roommate, Africa, became her family. They had recently moved into their own apartment with the support of the Trans Housing Coalition. Muffin had recently started her medical transition and had a dream of competing on RuPaul’s Drag Race.
A vigil took place this past Friday and I wanted to share the lovely poster because it reflects the love people had for this young woman. The Trans Housing Coalition is handling all funeral expenses.
She is the fourth trans or gender nonconforming person reported killed in 2021. She’s the third Black trans woman. She’s also the fourth Black trans woman to be reported killed under suspicious circumstances in the greater Atlanta, Georgia area since November (see below.)
Rest in power, Muffin. You deserved to be treated with kindness and respect, not this violence. I am so sorry this happened to you and hope you find comfort knowing your friends have not forgotten you.
May your memory be a revolution.
This is our list of transgender, gender-nonconforming, and non-binary neighbors lost to violence in 2021. Please do not copy or share this list without attribution.
- Tyianna Davarea Alexandra – Chicago, Illinois. January 6, 2021. Age 28.
- Samuel Edmund Damián Valentín – Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. January 9, 2021. Age 21.
- Dominique Jackson – Jackson, Mississippi. January 25, 2021. Age 30.
- Bianca ‘Muffin’ Bankz – Atlanta, Georgia. January 21, 2021. Age 31.
We are also still monitoring these supicious deaths from 2020 (in addition to the 44 documented killings.)
- Fendi Mon’ezah Armstrong – Lithonia, Georgia, November 11, 2020. Age 39
- Kimberely Patricia Cope – Athens, Georgia, December 27, 2020. Age 40.
- Natasha Keianna – Detroit, Michigan, January 12, 2021. Age 37.
- Bonaire ‘Bonnie’ Black – Atlanta, Georgia, December 31, 2020. Age 19.
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