TEARING #2
In 2021 The Human Rights Campaign reported 57 transgender, non-binary and gender-nonconforming individuals were killed in the U.S., making this the deadliest year on record to date. Many of those killed by this increased violence are Black transgender women, and often their lives are also endangered by racism, poverty and transphobia. In each photograph I'm wearing a t-shirt torn in the Jewish tradition of rending garments by family members to mourn the dead. My queered concept of family is an expanded one, and my public manifestation is a plea to mitigate hatred and violence against queer individuals. The three empty places in the grid represent the deaths that were unreported.
The names of those killed in 2021
Tyianna “Davarea” Alexander, Chicago, IL.
Samuel Edmund Damian Valentine, Puerto Rico
Bianca “Muffin” Bankz, Atlanta, GA.
Dominique Jackson, Jackson, MS.
Fifty Bandz, 21 Baton Rouge, LA.
Alexus Braxton, Miami, FL.
Chyna Carrillo, New Wilmington Borough, PA.
Jeffrey “JJ” Bright, Ambridge, PA.
Jasmine Canady, Ambridge, PA.
Jenna Franks, Jacksonville, N.C.
Aidelen Evans, Port Arthur, TX
Diamond Kyree Sanders, Cincinnati, OH.
Rayanna Pardo, Los Angeles, CA.
Jaida Peterson, Charlotte, N.C.
Dominique Lucious, Springfield, MO.
Remy Fennell, Charlotte, N.C.
Tiara Banks, Chicago, IL.
Jahaira DeAlto Balenciaga, Boston, MA.
Natalia Smut Lopez, Milpitas, CA.
Iris Santos, Houston, TX
Tiffany Thomas, Dallas, TX
Keri Washington, Clearwater, FL.
Thomas Hardin, York, S.C.
Wispering Wind Bear Spirit, York, PA.
Sophie Vasquex, Brookhaven, GA.
Danny Henson, Baltimore, MD.
Serenity Hollis, Albany, GA.
Poe Delwyn Black, Slab City, CA.
Chris Blehar, Flaherty, KY.
Oliver “Ollie” Taylor, OR.
Tierramarie Lewis, Cleveland, OH.
EJ Boykin, Lynchburg, VA.
Rubi Dominquez, Arlingon, TX.
Taya Ashton, Suitland, MD.
Shai Vanderpump, Trenton, N.J.
Miss CoCo, Dallas, Texas
Pooh Johnson, Shreveport, LA.
Zoella Martinez, Seattle, WA.
Disaya Monaee, Dolton, IL.
Brianna Ulmer, Chicago, IL.
Geri Judd, Bossier City, LA.
Kier Solomon, Arlington, Texas
Mel Groves, Jackson, Miss.
Royal Poetical Starz, Miami Gardens, FL.
Keeva Scatter, Baton Rouge, LA.
Jessi Hart, Banks, OR.
Jo Acker, Boise, ID.
Rickey Outumuro, Centralia, WA.
Jenny DeLeon, Tampa, FL.
Marquiisha Lawrence, Greenville, S.C.
Danyale Johnson, Memphis, TN.
Angel Naira, Aliquippa, PA.
Nikai David, Oakland, CA.
Martina Caldera, Channelview, TX.
Za’niyah Williams, Houston, TX.
Ke’Yahonna Stone, Indianapolis, IN.
Nikki Turietta, Albuquerque, N.M.