Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

Martina Caldera was 38-years-old.

Martina Caldera, a Latina transgender woman, was found fatally shot in Houston, Texas on December 6, 2021. Caldera’s death is at least the 56th violent killing of a transgender or gender non-conforming person in 2021.

Her death is at least the 6th 2021 homicide to come to light in 2022.

Investigators initially believed Caldera had been hit by a car, but later found that she had been shot. Caldera’s family believes that her death may have been the result of intimate partner violence.

HRC

Given recently reported deaths, all are possible.

In the context of deaths in 2021, Martina is the 56th trans, nonbinary or gender nonconforming persons reported killed in 2021. 49 of these neighbors have been BIPOC. 32 of these victims were under the age of 30. We say ‘that we know of’, as many deaths go unreported or unacknowledged. 2021 is now the most violent year on record for our trans neighbors in the United States, surpassing the previous total of 44 deaths in 2020.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is investigating Caldera’s death. Those with information are urged to call the homicide unit at 713-274-9100.

Martina’s family continues to gather to draw attention to her death and offer information that may be helpful. Please note this link uses her deadname and male pronouns.

Rest in power, Martina. You were loved so fiercely in this world and the next by those who seek justice for you. I am sorry we failed to create a safer world for you.

May your memory be a revolution.

This is our list of transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming neighbors who have been victims of the campaign of terror in 2022. Please do not copy or share this list without attribution. The list for 2021 is available. As of today, we have documented a total of 55 deaths in 2021. Those reported in 2022 will be listed here.

1. Amäriey Lèį (Myara) – Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. January 1, 2022. Age 20. 
2. Duval Princess – Jacksonville, Florida. January 2, 2022. Age 24.
3. Za’Niyah Williams – Houston, Texas. December 20, 2021, reported on Jan 5, 2022. Age 21.
4. Nikki Turrietta – Albuquerque, New Mexico, December 31, 2021, reported on January 27, 2022. Age 31.
5. Keeva Scatter – Baton Rouge, Louisiana, October 15, 2021, confirmed on February 13, 2022. Age 34.
6. Rubi Dominguez – Brownsville, Texas, July 15, 2021, confirmed on February 13, 2022. Age 29.
7. Naomie Skinner – Detroit, Michigan, February 12, 2022. Age 25
8. Martina Caldera – Houston, Texas, December 6, 2021. Age 38.