Michelle 'Tamika' Washington, a trans advocate and LGBTIQ+ community mentor, was murdered in North Philadelphia over the weekend, the third trans woman of colour to be killed in a seven day period.
The 40-year-old was Sunday morning and pronounced dead at Temple University Hospital.
Troy Bailey, 28, was arrested on Monday and charged with Washington's murder, according to Philadelphia TV station
“Tamika was a brilliant and outgoing member of Philadelphia’s transgender community, known for her advocacy and mentorship, and she will be profoundly missed,” Amber Hikes, the executive director of Philadelphia’s Office of LGBT Affairs,
She added: “The epidemic of violence that continues to plague the transgender community - disproportionately impacting trans women of colour - is heartbreaking, frightening, and infuriating.”
Washington’s death comes only one day after the , who was fatally shot in Dallas on Saturday.
“Muhlaysia and Tamika join the long list of Black transgender women who have been murdered, and we should all be alarmed and moved to act to stop this specific form of violence against Black women and girls,” David Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition, said in a statement.
Johns continued, urging members of the LGBTIQ+ community to keep the epidemic of violence on their minds as they celebrate the upcoming Pride month.
“In just a few weeks people across the country will kick off a series of Pride events that will last throughout the summer, including the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots,” he said, reports .
“Around the country, people will attend parades, red carpet events, social gatherings and fireside chats to celebrate the many gains we’ve made towards equality for LGBTIQ+ and same gender loving people. However, it is important to understand that we cannot truly celebrate being free until each of us is safe."
