EP 11: Marsha P. Johnson and Rita Hester | Black Trans Lives Matter, Homocide True Crime Podcast

According to Human Rights Watch, black trans women are at heightened risk of violence at the hands of strangers, partners, family members, and law enforcement. From 2016 to 2021, at least 88% of the transgender people killed in Florida, 91% in Ohio, and 90% in Texas, were all people of color.

Today's episode is a bit more serious and is one we truly hope you take the time to listen to. Kevin, Brandon, and Producer Anna, all sit down to spotlight two black trans lives that were tragically taken in the 90's. Unfortunately, both of these cases remain unsolved, which is largely due to the fact that trans lives, specifically black trans lives, have not been prioritized within our justice system.

Kevin starts us off with the story of Marsha P. Johnson. Marsha was a woman who you've probably seen on a mural or two sporting a beautiful flower crown. Among her community throughout Greenwich Village she was known as the "Mayor of Christopher Street," which is contributed to her welcoming nature. She was vocal and active in her pursuit of acceptance for all transgender people. The circumstances surrounding her death are still a mystery. We'll get into exactly what we know and what investigators failed to find.

Then, Brandon introduces us to Rita Hester, one of the women who inspired Transgender Day of Remembrance. Rita was outgoing and spontaneous. A friend even remembered her as the only link between the city’s queer bars and the decidedly hetero nightlife uptown. She was bolder than all of us. I mean, she had a pet boa constrictor for Christ's sake! Unfortunately, that did not save her from the extreme hate someone harbored against her in what looks to be a hate crime.

CONTENT WARNING: Violence, hate crimes, murder

We hope this episode gives you a more vibrant picture of who these two ladies were. As much as we may think society has come a long way since these incidents, many politicians within today's GOP continuously villainize LGBTQ+ people attempting to take us back to a time when inequalities ran rampant, without recourse.

Thanks for listening!

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Producer: Anna Howard

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