PrideFest Transgender Remembrance Ceremony and Memorial
While the mission of Otsego Pride Alliance is to empower and celebrate our LGBTQ+ community at PrideFest, it is vital to remember those who cannot be with us. We always start our day with a community remembrance ceremony to honor the transgender and gender-expansive individuals lost to anti-transgender violence. We gather to share our collective grief so that no one carries the pain of loss alone. Together, we stand side by side to read their names and honor their lives.
The memorial provides a safe, deeply impactful space where transgender folks are remembered accurately for their true names, authentic identities, and lived experiences. As you celebrate queer and trans joy at Pride, please take a few minutes to visit the memorial, read their stories, and ensure they are never forgotten. Collective mourning is an act of community resilience. We will not ignore the disproportionate violence faced by the trans community. Every life honored compels us to dismantle the systems of hate targeting our trans and gender-expansive family everywhere.
The remembrance ceremony will take place at the stage, immediately following the opening remarks. If anyone would like to participate by helping us read names, please reach out. The memorial is by the community, for the community. Everyone is welcome to contribute flowers, notes, photos, or other tokens of remembrance.
Resist trans erasure. Protect trans folks. Fight for trans liberation.
White Transgender Man
19 Years Old
November 4, 2025
Schenevus, New York
Harvey was born on November 15, 2005 in Cooperstown, the son of William Ferris and Kristina Buscema. He worked as a Rockwall/Adventure Instructor and Maintenance Crew at The Clark Sports Center. He was pursuing a career in welding at MVCC and wanted to be a tattoo artist.
He was on the track and cross-county teams and graduated from Schenevus Central School and ONC BOCES Welding program and was selected to be on homecoming court by his peers. Harvey enjoyed long boarding on any open road, snowboarding, scary movies, Harry Potter, concerts, NASCAR, motorcycles, hiking, collecting rocks, Legos, Led Zeppelin, Phish, Goose, Alice Cooper, and AC/DC and anything Halloween.
Harvey could cure any mood with a hug. His love was immeasurable. His presence was just a joy to be around. His smile could capture so many hearts.
White Transgender Boy
14 Years Old
Milford/Oneonta, New York
October 4, 2021
Kota always had a skateboard, and was a very talented and very, VERY brave athlete. He would climb trees, and hang from the branches, scaring everyone! He’d do flips off of things, on things, and even when he did fall he’d get back up and do it again. There wasn’t a stunt or trick he wouldn’t try whether that be in the skate park or in the street.
Kota was one of the funniest people We knew. He was quick to come back with a joke, to make things funny that really weren’t, using humor to overcome pain. He loved his family, his friends and animals, especially kitties, often sneaking in strays, while pissing off an angry landlord. Please remember him for who he was and the joy he brought to everyone who knew him but don’t forget the sorrow and pain that he lived with and that we now carry deep in our hearts and souls that this sweet, smart, funny, wild boy isn't here with us today.
White Transgender Woman
27 Years Old
August 11, 2025
Louisville, Kentucky
Blair had a love for dragons, playing the piano and other instruments. Blair Graduated with honors from Excelsior Springs High School. Blair had a large extended family from Blair’s online gaming and online artistic presence.
Blair is remembered for her free spirit and love of adventure.
White Non-Binary Person
December 21, 2024
Seattle, Washington
Jonny was a creative and compassionate artist whose life centered around performance, music, and nature. They acted in school and off-Broadway productions, played percussion in their high school marching band, and studied fine arts at Rockland Community College. Always drawing, exploring, rollerblading, or making music, Jonny brought light, kindness, and authenticity to everyone they met. A beloved member of the Renaissance Faire community since 2010, Jonny also served as a team leader in disaster relief and conservation trail crews across the country, dedicating themself to helping others and protecting the natural world.
We know little about 17-year-old Blaze Aleczander Balle-Mason but we honor him and proudly say his name.
Black Transgender Woman
31 Years Old
March 31, 2025
Autaugaville, Alabama
Kai was a vibrant and outgoing young woman who worked ar The Knights and Orchids Society (TKO), a Black and trans-led nonprofit that serves the queer community in the South. She was making significant contributions in the LGBTQ+ community through health coordination, peer support, and advocacy.
“Her clients, many of whom relied on her for critical support services, will deeply feel her absence and so will those who worked alongside her.”
She was working towards her GED and had plans to go to college, studying psychology. Her life goal was to become a therapist for Black people in lower-income communities, who “need to heal.”
32 Years Old
December 15, 2024
Oxford, Mississippi
Suicide
“With heavy hearts, we regret to inform you of the passing of an undeniable and beloved artist, child, sibling, and friend Aziza ‘Z’ Barnes,” the statement reads. “Z has touched and inspired countless individuals both in their community and industry and will be deeply missed and endlessly loved by all who were fortunate to have experienced their presence and work. An incomparable talent, we look for understanding in Z’s words, and wish comfort and understanding as we grieve this loss.”
White Transgender Man
25 Years old
December 21, 2024
Round Rock, Texas
Suicide
Sonny graduated from Southwestern University in 2021 with a theatre degree. He loved performing in musicals like Forever Plaid and writing his own stories. He was also a passionate Dungeon Master who played D&D weekly with his childhood friends, and he lovingly cared for his cat, Star, for 22 years.
As a proud transgender man, Sonny was a dedicated advocate for equality. He started his high school's first Gay Straight Alliance and spoke out for reproductive rights. He also worked with PFLAG to speak at the Texas State Capitol, always championing fairness and supporting the ACLU.
White Transgender Girl
15 Years Old
March 24, 2025
Rochester, New York
Suicide
Katelyn had a passion for writing, computer games, music, gardening, and baking, she searched for happiness through creative outlets.
Kat faced the challenges of depression, bullying, and eating disorders while bravely living as a transgender young woman, always striving to be true to herself despite the difficulties she encountered.
Katelyn’s life was marked by both joy in her creative passions and the struggle of living with depression. Her family honors her strength and authenticity.
White Transgender Woman
57 Years Old
March 32 2025
Oxford, Mississippi
"She cherished days spent swimming at the lake, and quiet moments spent sitting in the sand watching the sunrises and sunsets. These peaceful moments spent in nature always provided Charlene with a sense of calm that she’d carry with her long after she’d left.
She held a love for animals, especially her cats and dogs, who all seemed to be drawn to her gentle and loving nature. A lover of music, Charlene was a talented guitarist who enjoyed practicing her craft and learning new chords. When she wasn’t listening to music, she loved to get lost in a good book.
Charlene held her family and friends dear to her heart, expressing her love for them often through small acts, like picking small bouquets of flowers to gift to them"
White Transgender Woman
23 Years Old
September 28, 2025
American Fork, Utah
Suicide
Faye was a prolific writer who loved reading and worked as an aide at the Salt Lake City Public Library. She wanted to become a librarian and recently began sharing her stories online, loving the impact they had on readers. She also brought her creative spirit to her favorite hobbies, especially fighting games and Warhammer.
Faye will be remembered for her deep empathy, kindness, and giving the absolute best hugs. She struggled with her mental health for years, and her loved ones hope she is no longer hurting. Though her time was short, her legacy lives on in her writing and the hearts of her family and friends.
White Nonbinary Teenager
18 Years Old
August 18, 2025
Caldwell, Idaho
Onyx loved heavy metal, alt fashion and makeup, and their friends, who they described as getting them through rough periods in their life, including a period of some time in which they were kicked out of the house. They loved their cat, Sami, who was sadly also shot and killed after their own murder. They enjoyed showing off their makeup looks online and described themselves as both pretty and handsome. They had recently achieved a year of sobriety, was working at Wendy's, and had started a new relationship.
Puerto Rican Transgender Man
27 Years Old
June 29, 2025
Bayamón, Puerto Rico
Suicide
Nathaniel was a student and activist for the rights of non-binary and trans people at the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras. He focused on topics that were largely overlooked, such as substance use, harm reduction practices, transmedicalism, and disability justice. One of his central ideas was the “Jáyate Fest,” an event developed through our Gesta Amatista, a disability justice project from La Sombrilla Cuir. Recently, Nata had founded his own project with other trans people, called “Archivo Cuir,” which has given a more subversive twist to the preservation of dissident gender and sexual memory.
Indigenous Two-Spirit two Cherokee
25 Years Old
January 25, 2025
Ottawa County, Oklahoma
Aubrey’s journey for acceptance in our community is something her family hopes people will never forget. She was an incredible human being. Her soul was far better than most.
Her aunt said. “She was so proud of her identity as a transgender woman, and we are forever missing her. “From princess dresses to ball gowns, she was always confident in herself.”
Aubrey lived her truth unapologetically and loved with her entire being. Her love for people, life, and her selfless prayers for those who wronged her will never be forgotten.
Black Transgender Woman
23 Years Ikd
February 21, 2025
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Loved ones say Dior loved to dance and sing. But most of all, she was herself. A cousin lovingly described her as "No matter who she came in contact with, she was always a good soul." Family members, including Dior’s mother, recall her kindness, joy and vibrant energy.
Black Transgender Man
32 Years Old
May 17, 2025
Memphis, Tennessee
Shy’Parius celebrated his 3rd wedding anniversary with his wife Lola in February, and was a father to a son and daughter and he loved his dog, Bella
Shy’Parius attended Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. He worked as a youth counselor at Youth Villages, and as a shift manager at Save A Lot and he operated a small store with his wife. He had multiple side hustles as a bartender, cook, and at FEDEX.
He cared deeply about child welfare.
Black Transgender Woman
25 Years Old
April 24, 2025
St Louis, Missouri
The day before her death, Kelsey posted a heart wrenching tribute to her transition.
"Yall my Transition was so epic it was a surprise to me but a surprise to yall! In some I always wanted to do it, now I’m happy enough to embrace. It took a lot for me get here in a couple years but hey I did I’m proud of my lifeee in so many ways it just shocks me when I look back like I was that dude now that Girl but yea moral of the story: love your life"
White Transgender Girl
17 Years Old
May 25, 2025
Portland, Oregon
Suicide
Charlotte was a vibrant and creative teenager.
But she was not content. She was a child—a daughter, a friend, a soul in pain who still smiled, still shared jokes, still had dreams. She loved art, music, and expressing herself online in the only ways she felt safe.
Charlotte was a active member of the video game modding community made many of the most popular, creative, and purely fun mods the community has ever seen.
She always made us smile and laugh and was the best person we could ever ask for. Charlotte had so much left to do, so much left to say, and so much love left to give.
21 Years Old
November 15, 2025
Tampa, Florida
Girlalala was a hairstylist and content creator who had built a loyal following online. On TikTok, she had over 263,000 followers, while her Instagram accounts — @_girlalalala and @therealgirlalala — had 37,000 and 41,000 followers, respectively. She also ran a YouTube channel, LifeWgirlalala, where she shared glimpses of her life and her work as a hairstylist. Fans admired her for her bold personality, sense of humor, and authenticity, especially as a Black trans woman navigating her world in the public eye. Her online presence was a mix of creativity, personal stories, and unapologetic self-expression, which resonated with many of her followers.
White Transgender Woman
17 Years Old
May 25, 2025
Portland, Oregon
Suicide
Jax’s mother wrote about Jax, "There are no words strong enough for the grief we are feeling. The light she carried, the love she gave so freely, and the joy she brought into our lives have been taken from this world far too soon."
26 Years Old
June 19, 2025
Canton, Ohio
JJ was born and raised in the Canton, Ohio area. They graduated from Massillon Washington High School in 2017. Their social media lists Mariah Carey and Lady Gaga as favorites along with Pink and Ciara. JJ was also a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their page lists a wide range of movies they enjoyed.
JJ was very popular in the regional LGBTQ community – supporting causes and local businesses as well as standing with the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting and supporting transgender rights. JJ was considered an excellent makeup artist, was named to homecoming court in high school and may have been in the band.
White Transgender Man
28 Years Old
February 11, 2025
St. Clair Shores, Michigan
Suicide
"A one of a kind soul that was a cure for the bleakness with everyone he met. Mack left us too early, but the designs created and the friends he inspired will continue in his honor & spirit"
Black Transgender Woman
28 Years Old
June 21, 2025
Detroit, Michigan
We don’t know much about Christina but we proudly say her name.
White Transgender Woman
October 25, 2024
Denver, Colorado
Suicide
Lily-Dawn Harkins recently graduated with her degree in supply chain management. She was recognized as a genius for her IQ of over 140, she loved Magic the Gathering, cooking (and burning) food for her loved ones, volunteering for local organizations, and giving back to others in any way she could. She was fluent in German, and known for her absurdist humor and infectious smile and laugh.
Lily-Dawn's partner Gabrielle "Cam" Nguyen passed away on the same day.
Agender Lesbian
June 22, 2025
Colorado
Suicide
Gabrielle "Cam" Nguyen (they/them) was an agender lesbian college student who loved Speech and Debate. They planned to become a Speech and Debate coach post pursuing a graduate degree in Communications. Gabrielle also loved anything pink, LOONA, cooking authentic Vietnamese food, and had a knack for writing--one that often culminated in long, thoughtful, letters by their loved ones.
Cam's partner Lily-Dawn Harkins passed away on the same day.
White Nonbinary Person
23 Years old
June 39, 2025
Portland, Oregon
Suicide
Artie had a fiancé who misses them very much and wanted them to be remembered on Trans Day of Remembrance, and every day.
White Transgender Woman
38 Years Old
April 7, 2025
Virginia Beach
Suicide
Norah was a Marvel Comics editor who worked on titles such as X-Men, Guardians Of The Galaxy, War Machine, Nova, Marvel Zombies, Iron Man, Avengers, Stephen King's The Stand, and The Dark Tower, and creator of the graphic novel The Diary Of Menorah Horwitz. She was also an editor on the original Kick-Ass series by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. She loved to travel.
Norah was housed in the male wing of a correctional facility.
Black Transgender Woman
37 Years Old
September 26, 2025
Charlotte, North Carolina
Tiara was a fabulous hairstylist and make-up artist. She loved walking in runway fashion shows and participating in balls. She had a large number of ballroom family.
She was a great CNA at the nursing home and greeted every person with her big, beautiful smile and a hug. She loved all people, had a heart of Gold and was known as the Hospitality Queen for opening her doors to anyone who needed shelter or food. She would often say, “This is what God would want me to do”.
Tiara loved to dress up and would dress up everyday. She was a faithful member of Rebirth Cathedral of Praise Church.
Tiara was involved with her local Black Pride events.
Black Transgender Woman
28 Years Old
July 5, 2025
Washington, D.C.
Dream was not just a name; she was a radiant spirit filled with love, laughter, and the courage to live authentically. In a world where so many are still bound by hatred and fear, Dream shone brightly, embodying the journey of living one's truth unapologetically.
Black Transgender Woman
35 Years Old
February 13, 2025
Tabor City, North Carolina
Ervianna was a digital content creator and loved to dance. She was known by her friends as the “true twerk queen.” She made TikTok. Videos and hoped they would go viral. She loved to cook, especially for her loved ones. Ervianna loved her nieces and nephews.
White Transgender Woman
19 Years Old
April 25. 2025
Asheville, North Carolina
Suicide
Adeline’s kindness, playful spirit, and intellect touched many lives during her short time here. She saw the world in a unique and thoughtful way, bringing a special creativity and sensitivity to everything she did. She loved spending time with children and shared her joyful sense of play with them. Adeline hoped to become a teacher one day. Her cunning, existential wit, brilliance, and gentle nature left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Adeline was a transgender young woman on the autism spectrum—exquisitely intelligent, with a fierce sense of justice and deep curiosity. She wrote protective legislation for trans youth that was adopted in Illinois, composed music that reflected her rich inner life, and served as a kind, nonjudgmental friend to many. She worked tirelessly to make the world a better place.
White Transgender Woman
22 Years Old
June 4, 2025
North Carolina
Suicide
Tessa was a gentle and kind soul, who loved to read and had hoped to become a published author someday. She cared deeply about those around her, and the world at large, and was always willing to help out any way she was able. She enjoyed traveling and good food, was especially fond of cats, and spending time online, gaming and chatting with her friends. She had a love for eclectic music, complex and thought provoking stories, took joy in simple and lovely things, and was incredibly intelligent and hardworking. She enjoyed kayaking and spending time in nature, and just being in the presence of loved ones on a regular basis.
White Transgender Woman
42 Years Old
August 14, 2025
Wayland, Michigan
Suicide
"Emma Elizabeth Lara committed suicide in our home located in Wayland, MI.
Emma Elizabeth Lara worked as a part time team member at Meijers on 54th Street in a Grand Rapids, MI. Some of Emma's hobbies included working on vehicles and anything automotive really, cooking, and lending a helping hand whenever possible (she really was a Jack of all trades that's for sure).
Emma Elizabeth Lara is survived by her 3 beautiful daughters Natalie Lara, Chloee Lara, and Brooklyn Lara, her two handsome sons Carter Lara and Hunter Lara, she is also survived by her loving fiancé Selena Hudson."
Transgender Woman
24 Years Old
August 11, 2025
Austin, Texas
Rosa and her partner, Kim were engaged to be married. “She was my sunshine,” Kim said. “She always lights up a room, everywhere she goes. She was the love of my life for a reason.”
She was a “creative individual" who enjoyed reading and anime.
Because they lived in Texas, she was waiting for it to feel safe for her to change her documents, but she never got the chance.
White Transgender Woman
22 Years Old
December 28, 2025
Millersville, Pennsylvania
"Rose was intelligent, kind, and compassionate with a vibrant personality. She was very friendly and had a way of making everyone she met feel comfortable and welcome. “She never met a stranger.” Some of her interests were technology, Pokémon, music, creating beaded jewelry, and cooking.
She graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science."
Ecuadorian Transgender Woman
30 Years Old
February 27 2025
Los Angeles, California
Linda is a sex worker who was known for her willingness to survive and achieve her dreams but unfortunately, she got caught up in the horrific homelessness system and was never able to find the appropriate support to build the life she deserved.
She was an independently minded devout Catholic. Her prized possession was a five-pound statuette of the Virgin of Guadalupe, which she carried with her everywhere.
White Transgender Woman
27 Years Old
December 9, 2025
Louisville, Kentucky
Suicide
Madeline was an exceptionally gifted, kind, and creative force who deeply impacted everyone around her. An obsessive narrative artist and talented Game Master, she poured her brilliance into world-building, art, and music. To her online community, she was a shining star and a devoted friend whose wit, sassiness, and empathy brought endless joy.
Her magic extended far beyond the tabletop, leaving a lasting impression on the youngest lives she touched. As a delightful magician for my daughter Jocelyn's third birthday, she filled the day with bubbles, tricks, and laughter. She was a bright, imaginative spark, and the beautiful memories she created will be loved and missed forever.
Dominican and Argentinian Transgender Woman
22 Years Old
October 27, 2025
Kennesaw, Georgia
Suicide
Marisol was a vibrant 22-year-old senior studying History Education at Kennesaw State University who passed away on October 27. As President of the Kennesaw Pride Alliance, she was a dedicated leader who helped open the KPA Pride Center after university cutbacks closed the official LGBTQ+ resource center.
Of Dominican and Argentinian descent, Marisol was a practicing Celtic Druid with a passion for history, dying languages, and the recreation of the Taíno language. Remembered for her bright smile and natural humor, she was a lover of Argentina and the color blue who left a lasting mark on her community.
White Transgender Boy
15 Years Old
November 4, 2025
Urbandale, Iowa
Suicide
"Miles was a kind, talented and creative soul who expressed himself through music” [who] loved “skateboarding, bicycling and spending time outdoors”. It goes on to say: “Miles was a proud transgender male who was driven, and faced the world with courage, authenticity and grace, even in the face of bullying and misunderstanding. He is deeply loved and will forever be cherished by his family. His parents and older sister will forever celebrate his laughter, his music and his beautiful heart.”
White Transge48 Years Old
August 19, 2025
Erie, Pennsylvania
Suicide
Robyn had a Degree in Graphic Design and then obtained his LPN Degree and RN Degree in Nursing and was working as a public health nurse.
He loved his "fur babies" Maddy and Bosley and will always be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, adventurous spirit, and kindness towards others.
Throughout life Robyn enjoyed art culture especially Dia De Los Muertos; working out at the gym, productive yard work, traveling, studying keyboard and drums, and living life to the fullest.
Black Transgender Man
33 Years Old
December 26, 2025
Rochester, New York
Possible suicide
Danny Siplin was a truly special individual who left a profound impact on the Rochester community through his work with the Avenue Blackbox Theatre, a company dedicated to marginalized stories. Remembered by the theater as a cherished family member and by the Western New York Ballroom Alliance for his unforgettable spirit, he was always focused on bringing people together. Known for his positive energy, he was deeply committed to organizing meaningful projects and uplifted everyone around him with his dedication to the community.
White Transgender Woman
October 18, 2025
Cornwall, Vermont
Suicide
Lia was a talented and compassionate athlete whose passions ranged from competitive diving and academic excellence to music, history, and serving others. Between 2012 and 2023, she earned numerous placements and awards in diving, along with several academic and fine arts honors. She was dedicated to helping her community, she served as a TA at Peninsula Bridge and received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. She was curious and creative, and loved exploring the histories of China, Japan, and Medieval Europe, savoring diverse foods, enjoying anime, spending time with her cat Edgar, and playing strategy games with friends. She will be remembered for her sharp mind, empathy, humor, musical talent, and unwavering courage.
SAM NORDQUIST (HE/HIM)
Black Transgender Man
24 Years Old
February 2025
Oakdale, Minnesota
Canandaigua, New York
Sam was close to his siblings and never missed the birthdays of his sister’s children and loved to go trick-or-treating with them. Sam was an animal lover and worked in a group home for vulnerable adults. A friend said, “He was such an amazing friend, and full of life.”
He loved Puma sweatsuits and cooking. Sam attended Face to Face Academy, where he was a member of the school’s leadership class and counseling advisory council and always offered to help in any way he could. He was described as “a jester, a prankster - always setting up the next laugh with his Cheshire cat grin.” A friend described him as “a friend without limits.”
Sam and his mom, Linda, were inseparable. Sam was excited to start living his “most authentic life” and was optimistic about his future. His sister said, “He was beautiful, and he was handsome. And that’s how people should remember him.
White Transgender Person
35 Years Old
August 18, 2025
Lawnside, New Jersey
Suicide
Her name was Aurora Pellegrina, but she also went by Alexa and Luna (she was a system and had DID). She was 36 years old. Aurora used she/her pronouns, Alexa used xe/xem or they/they pronouns, and Luna used fay/faer or they/them pronouns.
Black Transgender Woman
27 Years Old
June 35, 2025
Indianapolis, Indianna
Kasí used the nickname Kaeyy Holmes and was open about her struggle with depression. She professed herself a woman of faith. She was a talented and highly sought after hair stylist for children and adults.
Kasi was very into being a Scorpio and loved astrology. Cardi B, Ciara, and Missy Elliott were her favorite.
She was known for her courage and creativity.
Black Transgender Woman
47 Years Old
June 7, 2025
Cincinnati, Ohio
Laura earned a degree in Business Administration from Southwestern College. She became a personal stylist, fashion consultant, and make-up artist for several of her family, friends, and colleagues. Laura had the ability to make anybody feel and look good. She is responsible for many successful photoshoots and fashion show looks across the city, gaining a reputation for creating custom, unique pieces from scraps.
Laura loved animals and her family and was a second mom to her siblings. Most importantly, Laura did not play about her family. She loved them dearly and took great pride in making sure that they were good at all times.
Black Transgender Woman
18 Years Old
December 16, 2024
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Cameron was known as “Cam Marie” to her loved ones and was described as intelligent, ambitious, and full of life. She had recently graduated from the Job Corps program and was employed at UPS. Her dream was to attend college and move to New York City to pursue a brighter future.
Her mom and aunt said, she lit up a room when she walked in, and was a very sweet person.
“Cam was just starting her life.”
Black Transgender Woman
27 Years Old
June 35, 2025
Indianapolis, Indianna
Karmin Wells was well-known in the transgender community as a ballroom performer and runway model. Her loved ones called her a legend.
"Karmin would walk into a room and just light up the whole room with her sense of humor, her smile, her laugh," said Karmin's chosen mother, Monica Hudson. "Karmin was an amazing individual, Karmin was funny, Karmin was resilient."
Black Transgender Woman
27 Years Old
June 35, 2025
Indianapolis, Indianna
Kamora was proudly and openly transgender.
Kamora's mother described her as “very loved,” an animal-lover who could make anyone laugh and someone with a big heart.
White Transgender Woman
49 Years Old
June 7, 2025
Los Angeles, California
Hope attended Mayfield High School and Murray State University. She was an avid record collector, a talented visual artist and writer, and a gifted musician.
Transgender Woman
21 Years Old
August 24, 2025
Arizona
Suicide
From a friend:
"Lynn was a caring and loving person, and having her gone has made everyday without her felt as if something is always missing now. Lynn lived in Arizona with her grandparents who she was not open to, but often voiced their disapproval of the trans community. Often, Lynn spent time with her best friend Ryan and their related groups. She was active in online communities and forum pages, and left an impact on everyone that she met. She had dreams of moving away with her friends, traveling by motor bike to different locations and settling in a house full of cats one day. I wish to have her simply be remembered, and to be known as Lynn, as a final gift to give her. "
White Transgender Woman
January 3, 2026
Erie, Colorado
Suicide
Maddie was a highly creative person who loved reading Brandon Sanderson books, watching The Princess Bride, and playing Skyrim. She was a talented artist, photographer, and storyteller who spent hours building detailed D&D campaigns for her friends. Known for her bright personality, she loved the color royal blue, swords, and making people laugh with her jokes and surprise selfies.
As a mom, Maddie was incredibly loving and devoted to her son, Elliot. She nurtured his curiosity by taking him to museums and passing down her love for science and reading. She even made a simpler version of D&D so they could play together. From the day he was born, she was a deeply supportive and caring parent who always wanted the best for her son.
White Transgender Man
25 Years Old
September 2, 2025
Roanoke, Virginia
Suicide
Blake always blazed his way forward with a dazzling firework display of personality and love for life.
He loved animals and rescued more than one stray by the side of the road.
Blake was intelligent, thoughtful and hardworking. He also had a way of seeing beauty in things others rejected and openly extended love to everything and everyone. He was exceptionally creative and talented in many things including drawing, painting, cooking, acting, dancing and performing. Blake was a popular drag king and loved performing as the mighty King Shere Khan and was an active and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.
He was a unique and wonderful soul who brightened the world around him.
White Transgender Woman
55 Years Old
June 24,2025
West Valley City, Utah
Suicide
Kia-Leigh was shy and sweet and known for her warmth, her intellect, and her desire to connect with others. She loved her dog Simba the Second, red lipstick, watermelon-flavored gum, LiveWire Mountain Dew, manicures, reading and writing poetry.
Kia has four children, Tyler, Alexis, Olivia, and Abigail. Being a parent and grandparent brought her Immense joy.
She lived with courage, honesty, and deep emotional strength through years of depression, and the systemic injustices faced by many in the transgender community.
White Nonbianary Tennager
15 Years Old
January 8, 2025
Setauket, New York
Suicide
They were a 10th grade student at Melville High School and were very involved with the theatre department, serving as prop master and a Ward Melville player. They were passionate about Spider-Man, Marvel, art, and horror movies. They spent hours and hours in Barnes and Noble and loved trips to Starbucks with their friends.
Parker’s generosity and affection made everyone feel special. Their ability to connect with others, and their compassionate nature, left a lasting impression on everyone who was lucky enough to know them. Their kindness and creativity will continue to inspire their friends and community.
Whte Transgender Woman
September 21, 2025
Hawthorne, Nevada
Suicide
Scarlet was a remarkably kind, nice, and caring person who possessed a deeply loving soul. Though she lived in rural Nevada and often faced the world alone, her capacity to care for others was immense. She was a dedicated ally and friend who would stay on the phone all night to support someone having a hard time, bringing comfort and light to those she connected with.
Her beauty as a person and her loving spirit deserve to be known and felt across the entire community. Though she has moved on, the profound impact of her warmth, kindness, and devotion remains. She will be remembered as a shining example of love and solidarity, and her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift all the allies who honor her memory.
Black Transgender Woman
46 Years Old
December 23, 2025
Columbus, Ohio
Suicide
Meka was an accomplished dancer, community activist, teacher, and mentor who taught Afro Caribbean dance and GED courses and actively mentored young people.
Meka offered these words on social media:
"To the LGBTQA community not everyone will be accepting of who you are. They may try to break you and harass you emotionally. Maintain yourself by keeping yourself polished. When mistreated as a result of gender discrimination, you must continue to believe in yourself. You must be persistent."
White Transgender Woman
24 Years Old
June 9, 2025
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Suicide
Emma loved music and performing. She had an ear for music from a very young age. She had a deep love for all things gaming and a natural talent for technology. When she wasn’t on stage delivering powerful performances, she could often be found behind a screen, mastering complex game mechanics, building custom PCs, or exploring the latest in cutting-edge tech.
Emma struggled with mental health and substance use disorders and will be missed by her friends and community.
White Transgender Person
32 Years Old
December 24, 2024
Portland, Oregon
Suicide
Very little is known about River, but we honor him and proudly say his name.
Biracial Transgender Girl
17 Years Old
September 28, 2007 - March 9, 2025
Mississippi
Jordan lived in Mississippi, but planned on moving to New York to pursue her dream of becoming a stylist. Her family and friends remember her as a bright light, who was effortlessly funny, fiercely brave, and always rooted for the underdog. Jordan’s absence has left a gaping hole in the hearts of everyone who loved her.
Her family likes to think that she is now with her beloved Noni.
White Transgender Boy
15 Years Old
FORT BRAGG, CA
December 7. 2025
Suicide
Roy Mora was an amazing person who was loved by his mother Jen and his brothers Michael and Ryan. He was also loved by many of his peers.
Roy's passing is a great loss to all who had the pleasure of knowing him, and a loss to our community.
Roy was a sweet kid.
16 Years Old
February 18, 2025
Berkley, Michigan
Suicide
Ryan had an offbeat sense of humor who enjoyed sharing laughter with his friends and family. He had the strength and courage to bravely live his truth as a trans person. Ryan was an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ and women's rights.
Ryan enjoyed being a member Cross Country and Track teams and was always supportive of his teammates. He was also a proud member of the technical crew for theatrical productions and concerts. Outside of school, Ryan was a member of Stagecrafters Youth Theater, working in the lighting department. He also volunteered at the Royal Oak Public Library and the Detroit Zoo summer camp