The Trans Women's Anti-Violence Project

The bodies of women have been turning up for a year now on Gilgo Beach in Long Island. These women are the victims of a serial killer who has been using the remote shore as a dumping ground. A total of 10 bodies have been discovered since the first four women’s remains were found on the overgrown beach last December. The killer has specifically targeted women who were selling sexual services.

What we’re not hearing much about is the one of those who was killed was a trans woman. This Asian woman has been misidentified by the police and media as a “man wearing women’s clothing,” and otherwise constantly misgendered. Since she was presenting herself as female at the time of her death, and all the other victims have been women, the Trans Women’s Anti-Violence Project believes it is appropriate to recognize this victim as a woman.

While the police and media fail to correctly identify her (if they acknowledge her at all), this unknown woman also hasn’t been recognized by the trans community. For instance, she is not listed on the Transgender Day of Remembrance website, which keeps track of murder trans people. So it’s no surprise if she wasn’t remembered at any of the memorials and vigils that were held last month.

What is most obvious is that this woman was not so much targeted for being trans, as she was for being a sex worker. Trans women are disproportionately represented in sex work. According to the report “Injustice at Every Turn,” 15% of trans woman have done sex work. For comparison, that same report notes that one percent of cis women have done sex work.

Because we recognize the impact violence against sex workers has of trans women, the Trans Women’s Anti-Violence Project is co-sponsoring International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, NYC:

On December 17, 2011 people in the sex trade and the people who love and support us will gather at Trinity Lutheran Church of Manhattan from 2 to 4 pm to hold a vigil for the victims of the Long Island killers and the many other people killed every year because they trade sex and are vulnerable to violence. The event will feature community activist speakers, a candle lighting, and a reading of the names of people in the sex trade who have been murdered this year.

WHEN: Saturday, December 17, 2011 from 2 to 4 pm

WHERE: Trinity Lutheran Church of Manhattan, 164 West 100^th Street near Amsterdam Avenue. 1, 2, or 3 train to 96^th Street. New York City.

WHO: Organized by sex worker support and advocacy groups the Red Umbrella Project and the Sex Workers Outreach Project New York. Attendees will be people currently or formerly involved in the sex trades and our friends, family, allies, and those concerned for our health and safety.