transfeminism:

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.

The Trans Women’s Anti-Violence Project is a co-sponsor of NYC’s International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers even on December 17.