Task Force Saddened by Tennessee Transgender Woman’s Murder, Calls for End to Violence Against All Women

WASHINGTON, DC, Sept. 18, 2014 — Earlier this month, Alejandra Leos was murdered in front of her home in Memphis, Tennessee. Alejandra’s death is the latest of the tragic string of homicides targeting transgender women throughout the country, taking place in states such as California, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee.

“The heinous crimes against transgender women across the country have become a tragic frequent occurrence. We are saddened and outraged to learn about the recent death of Alejandra Leos, a transgender woman who was murdered in front of her home in Memphis, Tennessee,” said Kylar Broadus, Transgender Civil Rights Project Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
“Our country is faced with a vicious epidemic of homicides and violence against transgender women and it only seems to be getting worse everyday. Violence against women is never acceptable, and as a nation we must do everything in our power to eradicate misogyny and transphobia.

“While an arrest has been made in the case, we call on local authorities to use every tool in their power to bring justice to Alejandra. We share our condolences with Alejandra’s friends and family, as they remain in our thoughts and prayers. We also ask those who are able to help to donate to her funeral arrangement fund.”

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is working on the ground with local LGBTQ organizations in Ohio and elsewhere to increase public awareness on discrimination, hate crimes, and to secure basic rights for LGBTQ people. The organization will also be facilitating a Twitter chat with transgender community activists and advocacy groups on Monday, September 29 from 2 pm to 3 pm. Broadus will be moderating the conversation through the organization’s Twitter handle @TheTaskForce using the hashtag #StopTransMurders. The goal of the Twitter chat is to continue elevating the voices of transgender people who have been affected by the ongoing violence.

Additionally, the Task Force was instrumental in ensuring that Congress included LGBTQ non-discrimination provisions into the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 2013 and has worked with the Department of Justice to implement the federal law’s historic non-discrimination protections.

To donate to Alejandra’s funeral fund please visit: http://gvsfoundation.org/cause/funeral-expenses-for-transgender-woman-alejandraleos/

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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