In Columbus, Ohio, trans woman Rae’Lynn Thomas was fatally shot by James Allen Byrd, the ex-boyfriend of her mother, Renee Thomas.
An official from New York City’s Anti-Violence Project said this is the 18th confirmed killing of a transgender or gender nonconforming person in 2016.
Renee said her daughter transitioned 10 years ago. Rae’Lynn’s aunt, Shannon, added that Rae’Lynn was a performer who was devoted to fashion.
Several transgender women have been killed recently, including Erykah Tijerina in El Paso, Texas; Deeniquia Dodds in Washington, D.C.; Skye Mockabee in Cleveland; and Dee Whigham in Mississippi.