The CCHR is saddened to hear of the alleged murder of Selena Reyes-Hernandez, a 37 year- old trans woman from the Marquette Park community. Our sympathy to the Reyes-Hernandez family, and other families who have lost love ones due to hate. May Selena’s life not be in vain, but a call to action to fight against hate on all levels.

https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2020/6/16/21293263/man-murdered-transgender-woman-marquette-park

The CCHR is saddened to hear of the murder of Selena Reyes-Hernandez, a 37 year- old trans woman from the Marquette Park community. As reported by the Chicago Sun-Times today, she was allegedly shot and killed by an 18-year-old young man who shot her dead upon learning that she was trans. It was reported that after he shot her, he left the home, came back and shot her again.

This killing reminds us how deep hate continues to be in this country. It reminds us that there are still those who believe being trans does not give a person the right to life. It’s ironic we learn about this murder only days after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that gay and trans folks cannot be discriminated against in employment. The ruling gave us hope that attitudes in even the more conservative corners of our society are changing, but then this; a senseless taking of life because of hate, the ultimate form of discrimination.

Being trans should not be a death sentence. As the CCHR recently stated in response to the George Floyd shooting, Black lives, and all lives matter! This includes Trans lives! When human beings are treated as disposable, it sickens our stomachs and makes us ponder the true depths of our progress as a nation. Hate followed up by violence against anyone is wrong! Black, White, Gay, Trans, … anyone!

Our sympathy to the Reyes-Hernandez family, and other families who have lost loved ones due to hate. May Selena’s tragic death not be in vain, but a call to action to fight against hate on all levels.

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