Statement on the Tragic Death of Selena Reyes- Hernandez
NEW YORK — Selena Reyes-Hernandez was a 37 year-old trans woman from the Marquette Park area in Chicago, Illinois. Selena and Orlando Perez arrived at her home at about 5:30am on May 31, at which time she revealed to him that she is a trans woman. After leaving, Perez returned to Selena’s home and shot her in the head and back, fled the scene, and returned once more to shoot her lifeless body. Original reports of Selena’s death misgendered her. In response to this tragic news, National Black Justice Coalition Executive Director David J. Johns released the following statement:
“Selena is the 17th transgender person to have been murdered, thus far, in 2020, that we know of. This tragic taking of life feels especially painful as many people around the world risk their lives during a global pandemic to insist that all Black Lives Matter, and activists are working for increased protection and respect for transgender lives.
“Like Dominique ‘Rem’mie’ Fells and Riah Milton, Selena’s death is the result of toxic masculinity and patriarchy that tries to control how we show up in the world. It is important that we actively combat all forms of transphobia. The marginalization, discrimination, and death that trans people face must end, in all facets of life. Selena Reyes-Hernandez deserves justice, and we all deserve to live without the threat of discrimination and violence.”