NCAVP mourns the death of Bianca “Muffin” Bankz, a 31-year-old Black trans woman who was murdered by a man in her home on January 17th in Atlanta, GA. Very little is known surrounding the death of Bianca, but it has been confirmed that the man took his own life shortly after.
Bianca’s death has been covered almost exclusively by Trans Housing Coalition, a nonprofit founded during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to get trans and nonbinary people off the streets and into safe housing. Bianca was an indirect client of the org, thanks to her friendship of 8 years with a woman named Africa, who had been working with the org. It is because of their relationship that THC was able to house them together.
Africa spoke highly of Bianca, saying that Muffin was a good friend. According to Africa, Muffin was the kind of girl who “if you forgot the butter [at the store] she already had it.” Bianca had begun her medical transition in November, and dreamed of appearing on RuPaul’s Drag Race alongside Africa. Africa and Bianca were so close it is reported that Africa’s mother acted as Bianca’s own, as Bianca did not have any blood family after growing up in the foster care system in Florida.
THC has agreed to cover the costs of Bianca’s funeral, and asks anyone who would like to support to submit a donation at any of the links via their Instagram account, or to support Africa via CashApp at $Africa1921.
A vigil is being held in Bianca’s honor by THC on Friday January 30th. The event description states that “There will be prayers, performances from community members, and whatever else folks are called to.”
NCAVP stands in solidarity with Black trans women, and we know that it is always hard to read these reports of violence against our communities. We know this can be even more painful when there continues to be an unchecked epidemic of homicides of Black trans women, as police violence is escalating against Black and brown people, and our nation continues to be grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic that highlights long standing healthcare disparities for Black and brown 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.