News & Opinion
In recent years, violence against the LGBTQ+ community has risen significantly raising major concerns with activists and within the queer community itself. In 2023, for the first time in the four-decade-plus history since the institution’s inception, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) declared a State of Emergency for American LGBTQ+ individuals in response to over 550 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced into state houses across the country.
This rhetoric has seen its manifestation in everyday violence, with 2022 seeing the highest number of anti-LGB, anti-trans and gender non-conforming hate crimes reported by the FBI to date. The total number of hate crimes based on gender identity increased by over 32% from 2021 to 2022.
Continuing on this atrocious trend is the recent death of a Black transgender woman in Rochester, NY last week Wednesday, October 3rd. The identity of the deceased woman was revealed to be 37-year-old Honee Daniels.
Reports state that just before midnight Daniels was a pedestrian when she was struck by a driver who fled the scene. Daniels was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after.
Following the incident, the family of Honee Daniels gave her name to media outlets as Honee Moffett; however local activists said she was known as Honee Daniels.
Other local media outlets have both misgendered and deadnamed her in their reports of the incident, with even one local news outlet excluding her gender altogether.
A press release from Blaque/Out Magazine had the following to say in light of the discrepancies that have been identified in reporting the story:
“Although several stations have posted updates to the story, the accepted media practice would be to correct the original misreported piece in print if possible and digitally everywhere it originally appeared,” the release continues.
“This isn’t just new information, it is considered disrespectful and a documented form of transphobia, transmisia, prejudice and oppression visited upon the LGBTQIA+ but specifically the Trans community. Despite the fact that your original reporting information was likely provided by [the Rochester Police Department], organizations nationwide track the disproportionate rate of deaths of Trans community members, specifically Black Trans women and those numbers are deeply skewed when the media misreports the accurate identity of the individual. These errors whether purposeful or in ignorance can even lead to delayed justice for families and victims.”
Violence takes its toll on transgender and gender non conforming individuals regardless of age, gender or gender identities and race. However, persons who identify at the intersection of multiple identities are disproportionately affected in relation to others, especially individuals who stand at the intersection of multiple marginalized groups.
Black transgender women make up 62% of fatal violence against transgender and gender non conforming individuals. That number is likely to be larger when one takes into consideration how frequently trans persons are misgendered and deadnamed in local media and in reports.
The tragic death of Honee Daniels underscores the urgent need for increased awareness, advocacy, and systemic change to protect the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly Black transgender women.
The disproportionate violence faced by this community highlights the deep-rooted discrimination and prejudice that continue to threaten their safety and well-being. It is imperative that we challenge harmful stereotypes, promote inclusivity, and work towards a society where everyone can live their lives free from fear and discrimination.
The driver and vehicle have since been identified, but no arrests have been made, and the accident remains under investigation.