Detroit Transgender Women Targeted in Possible Hate Crimes

WASHINGTON, DC, Aug. 22, 2014 —The Detroit police department has announced they are investigating the shooting of three transgender women that took place earlier this week. While two victims survived the shootings, the third unidentified transgender woman died. Police report all incidents to have taken place in the Palmer Park area and suspect them to be possible hate crimes.

“The recent string of murders and shootings of transgender women in Detroit is appalling. We are outraged to hear of the continued systematic targeting of transgender women across the country. Too many transgender people have been targeted and killed this year alone. Our country can and must do more to prevent crimes motivated by hate and anti-transgender bias.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire LGBTQ community in Detroit. We call on local authorities for a swift and thorough investigation of the crimes committed against the transgender women,” said Rea Carey, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. 


Anyone with information is asked to call 313-267-4600.

–30–

To learn more about the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, follow us on Twitter: @TheTaskForce.

Media Contacts:
Mark Daley
Chief Communications and Marketing Officer
(Office) 202.639.6325
(Cell) 202.379.8318
mdaley@thetaskforce.org

Jorge Amaro
Media and Public Relations Director
(Office) 202.639.6306
(Cell) 213.842.7564
jamaro@thetaskforce.org