This post remains published for posterity.
The In Memoriam Page is the complete listing.
NCAVP Mourns the death of Vontashia Bell, an 18 year-old black transgender woman, in Shreveport, LA. Bell was found August 30th with a gunshot wound to the chest. She died due to her injuries after being rushed to the hospital. Police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 318-673-6955. To give information anonymously, you can call 318-673-7373. They’re offering a $1,000.00 reward for information that would lead to an arrest.
Local news and police have misgendered and deadnamed Vontashia, an act that contributes to the violence perpetuated against trans women.
The organization Louisiana Trans Advocates released the following statement:
“Vontashia Bell must not die in vain. Her murder is a reminder of the current climate and national discourse on trans issues. Dehumanizing language and actions lower the barriers to this kind of senseless violence. Shreveport and Louisiana leaders must speak out against these killings, against the ongoing, systemic devaluation of trans people that pervades our media and politics, and against the institutional racism that places almost all of this burden on trans women of color.”
Rest in power Vontashia Bell.
We know it can be hard to read these reports of violence against our communities. If you need support in these difficult times, you can always reach out to your local NCAVP member. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, you can reach our free bilingual national hotline at 212-714-1141 or report online for support.
NCAVP works to prevent, respond to, and end all forms of violence against and within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and HIV-affected communities. NCAVP is a national coalition of local member programs and affiliate organizations who create systemic and social change. NCAVP is a program of the New York City Anti-Violence Project.