Transgender Teen Cameron Thompson Shot in Alabama

Cameron Thompson, a Black transgender teenager, was fatally shot on December 16. The shooting occurred in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and though the shooter has been identified, his name has not been made public, as he is a minor. According to AL.com, he will be charged as an adult. Allegedly, the shooting may have been because of comments made by Thompson about his sexuality, as stated by Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit Capt. Jack Kennedy.

Black trans women are the most targeted group for hate crimes, and Thompson’s family believes that is exactly what this was. Her aunt, Tara Maneice, says  “All these plans she had … They have been just wiped away in the blink of an eye, a senseless act,” when speaking with AL.com. She talked about Thompson’s beautiful, contagious smile and love of fashion and the fashion industry. Her life truly was just getting started, as she had just finished her Job Corps training and was working for UPS for a month at the time of the shooting. She lived with her mother and 16-year-old brother. She had hopes of going to college and buying a car, living the normal life of an 18-year-old girl.

Alabama for Progress made a post to memorialize Thompson on their Instagram page, in which they write, “Now more than ever we must stand with victims and their families and demand justice be served as hate and bigotry against trans people, especially Black trans people like Cameron is invigorated by hatred across our state and nation.” It is vital that we as a community stand up to protect and defend our most vulnerable populations, now and forever.

Thompson’s aunt has set up a GoFundMe for burial costs, as her mother did not have a life insurance policy in place for Thompson. With the help of the community, the GoFundMe sits at $10,366 out of its goal of $6,500.

Featured image courtesy of social media.