Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

Their name was Gwynevere River Song.

They were a 26-year-old trans person from Texas. They identified as femandrogyne, used they pronouns and identified as part of the bisexual community. Gwynevere was a 2015 graduate of the University of Texas. They were a vegetarian and lived in Waxahachie, a suburb of Dallas.

Just past 5 pm on Saturday, August 12, Gwynevere became the 17th transgender individual in the United States to be murdered in 2017. They were shot by someone in their home. Gwynevere was pronounced dead at the scene and the other person was transported for the hospital. Early details at this link, but note that they are misgendered and misnamed by the media here. In fact, the media even misspelled their family surname. That’s great reporting.

According the memorial page set up on Facebook, Gwynevere’s mother has organized a memorial vigil in their honor on August 21. Some of Gwyn’s friends have suggested memorial donations to Trans Lifeline. Reading through their page, it is easy to see that they were a bright, engaged individual with an array of interests and lots of loving friends.

There are scant details on what happened in the home or led to the shooting. Police reports state they when called to the home they found that Gwynevere had been shot by another adult on the scene. That is the person who was transported to the hospital. It is unclear what his relationship to them was.

What we do know is that someone shot and killed a bright, talented and lovely young trans person who didn’t deserve to die to this way. As more details are forthcoming, I will share them with you.

Rest in power, Gwynevere. Thank you for the beauty, thoughtfulness and imagination you brough to this world. May we honor your life and death by seeking justice for all trans neighbors.

1. Mesha Caldwell – Mississippi (January 4), 41 years old
2. Jamie Lee Wounded Arrow – Sioux Falls (January 7), 28 years old
3. JoJo Striker – Toledo, Ohio (February 8), 23 years old
4. KeKe Collier – Chicago (February 21), 24 years old
5. Chyna Gibson – New Orleans (February 25), 31 years old
6. Ciara McElveen – New Orleans (February 27), 26 years old
7. Jaquarrius Holland (Brown) – Monroe, Louisiana (February 19), 18 years old
8. Alphonza Watson – Baltimore (March 22), 38 years old
9. Chay Reed – Miami-Dade (April 19), 28 years old
10. Brenda Bostick – New York City (April 25), 59 years old
11. Sherrell Faulkner – Charlotte, NC (May 16), 46 years old
12. Kenne McFadden – San Antonio (June 6), 27 years old
13. Josie Berrios – Ithaca, NY (June 13), 28 years old
14. Ava Le’Ray Barrin – Athens, GA (June 25), 17 years old
15. Ebony Monroe – Lynchburg, VA (July 2), 28 years old
16. Tee Tee Dangerfield – Atlanta, GA (July 31), 32 years old
17. Gwynevere River Song – Waxahachie, TX (August 12), 26 years old

Resources in Western Pennsylvania that can use your donation to support black trans women and/or offer supports & services to those who need them. This list is not comprehensive. TransPride Pittsburgh is an umbrella group and the best lead for referrals to other organizations. If you are angry or sad, throw some support the way of these fine folks to help. It matters if you invest $5 right now.

• TransPride Pittsburgh
• Garden of Peace
• Sisters Pgh
• Persad Center
• GLCC of Pittsburgh
• Black Femme Excellence Co
• Erie Sisters & Brothers Transgender Support Group
• Transfamily of NWPA