Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

The Crime

Police in Milwaukee report that a 23 year old Black trans woman was killed around 12:30 AM on Friday, February 21, 2025 near 95th and Brown Deer.

Details are scant, but police confirm she died on the scene from multiple gun shot wounds. Otherwise no information has been released.

Her name was Amyri Dior.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-Tips or P3 Tips.

Honoring Amyri

This was a young woman who was loved. Born and raised in Milwaukee, little specifics are known but her friends are posting that she worked FT, had purchased a home, and was deeply connected with her extended family.

Amyri followed several professional athletes on social media. Family told the media that she loved to dance and sing.

“No matter who she came in contact with, she was always a good soul. I just don’t understand why,” cousin Jakiala Jenkins said. “She was always truthful with her life. She was just too loving.”

Family and friends held a balloon release on February 22.

I thought the comments from her family were touching

“Live in the truth y’all,” said Dior’s mother, Perriona Williams. “I just want to tell everybody to live in the truth. It doesn’t matter who you are, just open up, be an open book, so your family can know who you are and be able to love you for who you are.”

“We just need some type of understanding, of closure,” Jenkins said. “We just want all trans [people] to stay safe. Know that you are loved.

The Context

Amyri is the third trans person whose death has been reported in 2025. She is the second trans woman, the second Black trans woman, and the third Black transgender person on our list. The first woman, Tahiry Broom, was shot in the head in Detroit earlier in the month in February. There’s been very little media or community attention for her case.

At 23, Amyri is also the youngest person on our 2025 list.

In 2023 Cashay Henderson (31) Chyna Long (20) were both killed. In 2022, Brazil Johnson (28) and Regina Mya Allen  (35) were also killed along with Toi Davis (31) All five, like Amyri, were Black trans women killed in Milwaukee. That we know of. Six Black trans women in four years.

Clearly, there is a disproportionate impact on the Black trans community, especially Black tras women. This is another example of how erasing the T and Q from federal everything, including the Stonewall Memorial Plaque poses a grave, imminent threat to the Black and other trans folx of color. They are targets and yet rendered invisible on paper.

But they are not invisible, they cannot be erased, they are an essential part of our community. If you are outraged, sad, or angry – do something. Donate to a local trans led organization, volunteer your time, invite trans speakers to your workplace or classroom. Attend school board meetings and say something – anything – affirming trans students. It is absolutely your job to do this work. Now. Resist and defy erasure.

Rest in power, Amyri. Your life had meaning for all of us. We will focus on the investigation to determine who robbed you of all the years you deserved. Your cousin Jakiala’s words about keeping trans people safe will echo throughout Milwaukee. I hope you hear them.

May your memory be a revolution.

Deaths reported in 2025

1. Tahiry ‘Tokyo’ Broom – February 9, 2025. Detroit, Michigan. Age 29.
2. Sam Nordquist – February 2025. Canandaigua, New York. Age 24.
3. Amyri Dior – February 21, 2025. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Age 23.