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Washington State LGBTQ Commission Statement on Murder of Transgender Woman at UW

Date

Washington State LGBTQ Commission Statement on Murder of Transgender Woman at UW

     Olympia, WA, May 13, 2026 – Late Sunday evening, Seattle law enforcement found a 19-year-old stab victim in an off-campus housing complex near the University of Washington. Despite all lifesaving efforts, the Seattle Fire Department pronounced her dead at the scene. At the time of this release, the Seattle Police Department is actively searching for the suspect. While SPD has not publicly identified the victim, it has been reported that the 19-year-old was a transgender woman and a UW student.

     The Washington State LGBTQ Commission is heartbroken to hear this news and joins the University of Washington student body and faculty, the city of Seattle, and all 2SLGBTQIA+ Washingtonians in their shock, anger, and grief at this senseless and violent attack on their neighbor. We mourn the loss of this young woman’s life and the theft of her future. Our hearts go out to her family and loved ones. As we process this tragic news, we encourage you to check in with your 2SLGBTQIA+ community and seek help if you or someone you know is in crisis. For many of our community members living with hypervigilance and anxiety another tragedy like this makes living more challenging. The decreased sense of safety can be so isolating when others might not understand or feel the same urgency.

     According to reporting from Them, this is the seventh known trans person to be violently killed this year in the United States. These tragedies are fueled by broader conditions that disproportionately impact those most marginalized. We must acknowledge that ongoing anti-trans rhetoric, systemic discrimination, and the dehumanization of trans communities contributes to environments where violence becomes normalized. This targeted and discriminatory violence must end, and it must end now. The state of Washington must ensure that we are taking every action at our disposal to eliminate violent hate crimes that impact our most vulnerable neighbors. As the Washington State LGBTQ Commission, we are committed to continue working with local 2SLGBTQIA+ community partners, state and local agencies, Governor Ferguson, and the legislature to develop and implement state policies that reduce violence against our communities. We demand justice for this horrendous crime and expect that whoever is responsible for this act be held accountable.

    Anyone with any information about this crime is asked to call the Seattle Police Department Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000. Please note that anonymous tips are accepted.

In solidarity,

The Washington State LGBTQ Commission

 

Resources:

The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people. Hotline is available 24/7.

Trans Lifeline: The Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants non-profit organization for the trans community, by the trans community. Hotline hours: Mon-Fri 10AM-6PM PT.

THRIVE Lifeline: THRIVE Lifeline is a grassroots organization dedicated to changing the landscape of mental health support for people with intersecting marginalized identities and provides crisis support through THRIVE Lifeline. THRIVE is trans-led and operated. Hotline hours: 10:30PM Wed – 4:30AM Thurs PT.

Call BlackLine: Call BlackLine provides a space for peer support, counseling, reporting of mistreatment, witnessing and affirming the lived experiences for folxs who are most impacted by systematic oppression with an LGBTQ+ Black Femme Lens.

LGBT National Help Center: The LGBT National Help Center is an organization that provides vital peer support, community connections, and resource information through helplines and online chatrooms. Hotline hours: Mon-Fri 11AM-8PM, Sat: 9AM-2PM PT.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress across the United States and its territories. Hotline is available 24/7.

 

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