NBJC Mourns the Stolen Life of Jayla McGee
CONTACT: Jordan Wilhelmi | jordan@unbendablemedia.com
PALM BEACH, FL — The National Black Justice Collective (NBJC) mourns the death of Jayla McGee, a 19-year-old Black transgender girl. Jayla was shot and killed on July 5th, 2026, in Belle Glade, Florida. Family and friends held a candlelight vigil on July 18th, and comments on the posts about the vigil were filled with condolences. The Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office is investigating her death as a homicide; no motive or suspect is known at this time.
Local media have barely covered Jayla’s death, and other organizations that cover the deaths of our trans siblings, including PGH Lesbian Correspondents and The Advocate, are struggling to find full and accurate information.
“My heart breaks for Jayla and all those who loved her,” said Victoria Kirby York, Director of Public Policy and Programs. “Unfortunately, the facts of this case, Jayla’s young age, being deadnamed and misgendered by police, and a lack of media coverage, are all too common in the violent deaths of trans community members. These are all part of the reason why so many continue to suffer in this epidemic of violence. How can people know about the issue if the media doesn’t cover it? How can the media provide proper coverage if law enforcement gives inaccurate information about the victim and their lived experience? As those in power push the narrative that trans people are a threat and try to erase them, we must fight back with continued empathy and solidarity. We must continue to bring attention to Jayla and all the trans siblings stolen from us, demanding justice for their deaths and remembering who they were in life.”
Remember the lives of all of the Black trans siblings we have lost this year with action by viewing NBJC’s resources for the transgender and gender-expansive/non-conforming community HERE.
Learn more about reducing gender-based violence here and here.
Read this OpEd to learn more about changing local policies and increasing protections for transgender and non-binary community members.