Los Angeles, California, August 22, 2023 – Today, our hearts are engulfed in sorrow and fury as we mourn the horrifying loss of Devonnie J'Rae. On August 8, this vibrant soul, a member of our community, was senselessly snatched away from us by the hands of ignorance, systemic prejudice and violence perpetrated by none other than a security guard at Ralph's in Hollywood. The depths of our grief are matched only by the intensity of our anger.
We demand answers. We demand justice. And we demand it now.
Devonnie's life was stolen from her in an act of brutality that defies explanation. This is not just a loss; it is an outrage. It is a vivid reminder that the fight we wage for the rights and lives of transgender individuals is far from over. Our community is under siege by violence, prejudice, and systemic failures. We are tired of the empty promises, the slow responses, and the lack of action.
We demand accountability from those who are supposed to protect and serve. We demand a thorough and swift investigation into Devonnie's murder. We demand consequences for the perpetrator who thought he could strip her of her humanity and dignity. We demand justice for Devonnie, her family, her friends, and all those heartbroken by this tragedy.
Policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and the wider community must wake up to the reality of the violence against transgender individuals, particularly those who exist at the intersections of oppression. Our pain fuels our determination, and we will not rest until Devonnie's memory is honored through change. We will not be silenced, and we will not be ignored.
We demand to know what the District Attorney is doing in the wake of this heinous crime. Will justice be served, or will Devonnie become another name forgotten in the annals of injustice? We demand that the footage from all security cameras is not kept a secret from the community.
We demand accountability for the utilization of deadly force – a security guard whose job was to safeguard lives, not take them. It's not enough to express sorrow or condemn the act; we need to see tangible steps towards justice.
Devonnie's life had value. Her death must not be in vain. We will channel our grief, fury, and indignation into a relentless pursuit of change. The TransLatin@ Coalition will not rest until we witness a world where black transgender lives are cherished, protected, and celebrated.
In this hour of grief and anger, let us rally together and demand the long overdue change. We will honor Devonnie J'Rae by demanding justice, fighting against the forces of discrimination, and working tirelessly to ensure that the world she dreamed of becomes a reality for every transgender individual.
The violence against Trans people must end NOW.