Trigger Warning: Anti Transgender Violence
This week, we mourned the tragic loss of a trans identifying member of our community, Andrea Dos Passos.
On April 23rd, 2024, Andrea's life was brutally taken as she slept outside the Miami City Ballet. Horrifying footage captured the moment Gregory Fitzgerald Gibert assaulted her and left her bloodied and beaten with wooden sticks lodged in her nostrils.
This heinous act of violence, perpetrated against a transgender woman, is not only an attack on human rights but also a stark reminder of the systemic failures and injustices that continue to plague our society.
Andrea was a familiar face in our community, and her death serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing violence and discrimination faced by trans individuals, particularly those who are Black and minority. The system failed Andrea. It failed to protect her, failed to provide her with the support and resources she needed, and failed to recognize her inherent dignity and worth as a human being.
This is not just an isolated incident; it is symptomatic of a larger problem of violence, hatred, and discrimination against transgender people. As a community, it is our collective responsibility to do better. We must do more to support and uplift trans people, to end the hate, and to create safer spaces and support systems.
In the wake of this tragedy, we condemn this monstrous act in the strongest possible terms and stand united with our trans siblings in the face of ongoing violence. Trans people deserve to live their lives authentically and without fear, and we reaffirm our commitment to advocating for their rights, safety, and well-being.
To our trans friends, family members, colleagues, and neighbors: you are valued, you are loved, and you are not alone. We are here for you, offering support, resources, and counseling to anyone who needs it.
In memory of Andrea, and as a protest against the violence that claimed her life, we held a vigil in her honor. Now, we turn our focus to supporting her family through this difficult time. At their request, we've set up a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral costs and provide financial support for her loved ones.
Please consider donating to Andrea's page here and sharing this message to amplify our call for justice and support.
Together, let us demand justice and work tirelessly to ensure that no member of our community ever has to fear for their safety simply because of who they are. It is imperative that we do everything in our power to protect our community—providing essential resources, advocating for safe housing, and fighting against discrimination and violence in all its forms.
As an organization, Pridelines is committed to actively combating transphobia and advocating for the rights and dignity of transgender individuals. We call on all levels of government, community-based institutions, and concerned individuals to join us in this fight for a safer and more inclusive society for trans people.
With love and solidarity,
The Pridelines Team
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