The National Black Justice Coalition Mourns Death of Thomas Hardin
CONTACT: Anna Zuccaro | anna@unbendablemedia.com
YORK, SOUTH CAROLINA — The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) mourns the loss of Thomas Hardin, a 35-year-old Black transgender woman. Hardin was shot and killed in her home in York, South Carolina on May 2 by a purported romantic partner, who has since been arrested and charged with killing Hardin.
According to the York police chief and friends, Hardin identified as a woman. Hardin’s friends say she used both she/her and he/him pronouns. Friends and loved ones also say Hardin was an affable wisecrack who always kept people laughing.
A funeral service was held in Thomas Hardin’s memory on May 12.
“The month of May has been one of immense loss for the trans, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming community. It is heartbreaking to find out about another life stolen prematurely,” said NBJC Deputy Executive Director Victoria Kirby York. “As we approach Pride Month, it is essential that we fight for the protection of our trans and non-binary siblings. We must be aware of and demand accountability for those who are murdered, which includes directly confronting transphobia.
“All Black women, whether cisgender or transgender, face disproportionate levels of intimate partner violence. Law enforcement leaders must work to ensure these deaths are properly investigated, and that the perpetrators are prosecuted. This includes never using dead names, misgendering, or printing outdated photos. We should honor the ways that Thomas Hardin showed up in the world, including in honoring her life and legacy.”
According to NBJC, Thomas Hardin is one of at least 28 transgender or non-binary people killed in 2021 and one of 8 killed in May 2021. The high number of stolen lives this year is of extreme concern and displays the need for immediate action to end this epidemic of violence.
Learn more about reducing gender-based violence here and here.
To learn more about changing local laws and increasing protections for trans and non-binary community members, look here.
The NBJC Stolen Lives list of trans and non-binary individuals lost to violence and hate can be found here.
