In the wake of the tragic events in Colorado Springs, CO, Disability Rights California affirms its solidarity with the LGBTQIA2S+ community and mourns the lives lost at Club Q. We also mourn individuals whose lives were stolen by acts of violence against transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and two-spirit people throughout 2022. In the face of these ongoing acts of hatred, Disability Rights California will continue to oppose legislation and policies that discriminate against LGBTQIA2S+ people and will advance practices that affirm their rights to live joyfully, fully, and without fear of violence. 

In the wake of the tragic events in Colorado Springs, CO, Disability Rights California affirms its solidarity with the LGBTQIA2S+ community and mourns the lives lost at Club Q.  

We also mourn individuals whose lives were stolen by acts of violence against transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and two-spirit people throughout 2022. 

In the face of these ongoing acts of hatred, Disability Rights California will continue to oppose legislation and policies that discriminate against LGBTQIA2S+ people and will advance practices that affirm their rights to live joyfully, fully, and without fear of violence. 

In Memoriam of Trans Day of Remembrance, which was Sunday, November 20th, 2022, we recognize the victims of the shooting at Club Q: 

Daniel Aston, 28, a transgender man, a well-known bartender and entertainer, originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

Derrick Rump, 38, bartender at Club Q, known for his humor and dry wit. 

Kelly Loving, 40, a trans woman, known for her loving and caring spirit. 

Ashley Paugh, 35, a beloved mother who worked at Kids Crossing, a nonprofit helping foster children. 

Raymond Green Vance, 22, a popular, well-liked young man who grew up in Colorado Springs and was an ally to the LGBTQIA community. 

We also recognize some of the individuals whose lives were lost throughout 2022: 

Tiffany Banks, 25, a Black trans woman, killed in Miami, FL on October 1.  

Semaj Billingslea, 33, a Black trans man, killed in Jacksonville, FL on September 21.  

Mya “Regina” Allen, 35, a Black trans woman, killed in Milwaukee, WI on August 29.  

Dede Ricks, 33, a Black trans woman, killed in Detroit, MI on August 27.

Acey Morrison, 30, a Two-Spirit Lakota, killed in Rapid City, SD on August 21.

Aaron Lynch, 26, a trans man, killed in McLean, VA on July 7.

Kandii Reed, 29, a Black trans woman, killed in Kansas City, MO on July 24.

Marisela Castro, 39, a transgender Latina, killed in Houston, TX on July 29.

Hayden Davis, 28, a Black trans woman, killed in Detroit, MI on July 25.

Cherry Bush, 48, a trans woman experiencing homelessness, killed in Los Angeles, CA on July 5.

Keshia Chanel Geter, 26, a Black trans woman, killed in Augusta, GA on July 20.

Martasia Richmond, 30, a Black trans woman, killed in Chicago, IL on July 11.

Kitty Monroe, a Black trans woman, killed in Cordova, TN on June 29. 

Shawmaynè Giselle Marie, 27, a Black trans woman, killed in Gulfport, MI on June 21.

Brazil Johnson, 28, a Black trans woman, killed in Milwaukee, WI on June 15.

Chanelika Y’Ella Dior Hemingway, 30, a Black trans woman, killed in Albany, NY on May 31.

Maddie Hofmann, 47, a trans woman who was born in Korea but raised in the US by their adoptive family, killed on May 19 in Malvern, PA.

Sasha Mason, 45, a transgender Latina, killed in Zebulon, NC on May 13.

Nedra Sequence Morris, 50, a Black trans woman, killed in Opa-locka, FL on May 14.

Ray Muscat, 24, a white trans man, killed in Township, MI on May 8.

Fern Feather, 29, a trans woman, killed in Morristown, VT on April 12.

Ariyanna Mitchell, 17, a Black trans girl, killed in Hampton, VA on April 2.

Miia Love Parker, 25, a Black trans woman, killed in Chester, PA on April 1.

Kenyatta “Kesha” Webster, 24, a Black transgender woman, found killed in Jackson, MI on March 26.

Kathryn “Katie” Newhouse, 19, an Asian-American trans woman, killed in Georgia on March 19.

Tatiana LaBelle, 33, a Black transgender woman, found killed in Chicago, IL on March 18.

Paloma Vazquez, 29, a transgender Latina, killed in Houston, TX on February 26.

Matthew Angelo Spampinato, 21, a white trans man, killed in New Castle, DE on February 9.

Naomie Skinner, 25, a Black transgender woman, killed in Highland Park, MI on February 12.

Cypress Ramos, 21, a trans Latina, found killed in Lubbock, TX on February 13.

Duval Princess, 24, a Black trans woman, killed in Jacksonville, FL on January 3.

Amariey “Myara” Lei, 20, a Black transgender woman, found dead in Pittsburgh, PA in January.

As an organization, we remain committed to and will continue to fight for equality, civil rights, and justice for all. We stand with our staff, community partners, and members of marginalized communities including LGBTQIA2S+ communities, Black, Latinx, Native American, Asian Pacific Islander, immigrant, and people with disabilities within these groups facing an increased surge in hate crimes, racism, discrimination, and intensified hatred. 

You can learn more about the individuals whose lives were lost here:  

• TDOR: In Memoriam
• https://www.them.us/
• Club Q Colorado Springs

Media Contacts

Melody Pomraning
Communications Director
Disability Rights California
(916) 504-5938
Melody.Pomraning@disabilityrightsca.org

Disability Rights California (DRC) – Is the agency designated under federal law to protect and advocate for the rights of Californians with disabilities. The mission of DRC is to defend, advance, and strengthen the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities. For more information visit: https://www.disabilityrightsca.org