Another Tragic Trans Death: Brianna Hamilton

On September 17, Brianna Hamilton, a Black, trans woman, was found dead in Chicago, a gunshot wound to her head.

Friends and family alike were not made aware of her death until later, as the Chicago Sun-Times misgendered and dead-named Brianna upon reporting her murder.

“Anti-transgender stigma is exacerbated by callous or disrespectful treatment by some in the media, law enforcement and elected offices,” writes Violet Lhant of the Human Rights Campaign. “According to HRC research, it is estimated that approximately three-quarters of all known victims were misgendered by the media and/or by law enforcement.”

Brianna Hamilton’s death makes her the 37th trans person lost to violence in 2021 alone. To no surprise of trans people of color, 34 of these deaths have been BIPOC, with Brianna being the 28th victim who was Black.

She was 25 years old.

Brianna’s mother, Ronda Ulmer, has since made a GoFundMe to help with Brianna’s funeral expenses. She writes:

“On the early morning of Friday September 17, 2021 my daughter was brutally murdered in the alley of 78th and Bishop In Chicago, IL . I am raising this fundraiser to help cover some funeral expenses. My daughter was a victim of a ruthless murder. Unfortunately, I am a single mother, and the funeral expenses are an unexpected challenge for me. I know Brianna was loved by many, and at this time, your support is greatly needed and appreciated. Brianna was an amazing person who touched so many people’s hearts with her presence, and her memory will forever live on. #TRANSLIVESMATTER”

Brianna’s death was not the first murder against trans women of color to take place in Chicago this year. As Nico Lang of them writes, Tyianna Alexander, Tiara Banks, and Disaya Monaee Smith “were killed in January, April, and September, respectively.”

Tori Cooper, Director of Community Engagement for HRC’s Transgender Justice Initiative, has since released a statement on Brianna Hamilton’s death: “Black trans lives matter, and we need urgent action to end this epidemic of violence.”