In the USA six black Trans* women are said to have been found dead in just one week. Bree Black, Dreya McCarty and Shakie Peters are the latest victims of an epidemic of violence that has already killed at least 21 people in the US this year. The number of unreported cases is said to be even higher. #sayhername

The USA cannot rest easy, six more lives are to be mourned. The circumstances of the deaths were not always known to the media or clarified by the police, but at least three cases are being investigated as murders. The organization Transgender Law Center named all victims:

Brayla Stone (Little Rock, Arizona)

Merci Mack (Dallas, Texas)

Shaki Peters (Amite City, Louisiana)

Draya McCarty (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)

Tatiana Hall (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Bree Black (Pompano Beach, Florida)

Bree Black (27) was violently killed in her home in Florida on July 3. After neighbors reported shots fired, police officers appeared at 10:18 p.m. and found Bree with a bullet wound – shortly after that she was pronounced dead. The killer is on the run. The police are asking for help from the public to help solve the case.

The murder of Bree Black triggered a wave of sympathy in social networks – and outrage, as many media reports misrepresented the name and gender of the victim.

The case is the fourth in a short period of time in which the life of a black Trans* woman was violently ended. Shakie Peters (32) was killed last week in the state of Louisiana. Dreya McCarty (age unknown) was found dead only a few days apart, also in Louisiana, but the case has not yet been declared a homicide as the circumstances have not yet been conclusively clarified.

Last week Merci Mack (22) died by a shot in the head in Texas – she was found on a parking lot by a passer-by, the called ambulance could only determine her death. Again, the perpetrator has not yet been found.

Those responsible for the organisation Transgender Law Center stated in a posting in social media that their hearts were heavy because of the loss:

“Six people who had more to say, live, experience. Six people with their own families and people they called friends and lovers. Six people who might have thought about what they’d do tomorrow if only tomorrow wasn’t taken away from them.”

They made it very clear that this violence is not an accident.

“Black transfemales and femmes are deliberately put at risk through abuse and neglect by the government and institutions of health care, housing and employment. They are also targeted by the civilian population. This violence is not an accident.”

Is the number of unreported cases much higher?

Transsexuals are exposed to shocking acts of violence all over the world, with black trans women in the USA being at particular risk. In the course of the Black Lives Matter protests, these cases are finally being perceived in the media more strongly than what they are: Testimonies of a blatant abuse in our society (we have reported).

Last year, at least 27 transgender people were murdered in America. Especially bad: The NGO Louisiana Trans Advocates estimates that the actual number is much higher than the official figures, because many, like Bree Black, are mentioned with false names and gender in the reporting about their deaths.

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