On the early morning of May 7, the life of 17-year-old Tayy Dior Thomas, a Black transgender girl from Mobile, Alabama, was tragically cut short. The circumstances of her death have sparked a call for justice and a review of Alabama’s hate crime laws, shedding light on the violence transgender people experience, particularly in intimate relationships.
Tayy Dior Thomas was found dead on the front lawn of a house on Darwood Drive, near a vehicle that had crashed into the building. Responding to reports of shots fired at around 3:30 a.m., Mobile police discovered her body and the wrecked car. The alleged perpetrator, 20-year-old Carl Mitchell Washington Jr., was arrested later that day and charged with murder, discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, and attempting to evade arrest.
Court records indicate that Washington fired 18 shots into Thomas’ vehicle. He is currently being held at Mobile Metro Jail without bond. Washington has pleaded not guilty, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 17.
The Impact on Family and Community
Thomas’ grandmother, Rolanda Carl, remembers her as a kind and giving person who loved children and was always willing to help with her younger siblings or cousins. “That’s the thing that I get the most from her personality. She was a giving person,” Carl shared. “That trusting and loving nature got her killed.”
Washington, who had been her romantic partner for more than a year, allegedly killed Thomas out of concern that their relationship would come to light. Carl recalls seeing dried tear marks on Thomas’ face at the funeral home, a haunting reminder of her granddaughter’s final moments. “I want [Washington] to have enough time in there to think about what he’s done, to have some sense of empathy and remorse,” Carl said.
Thomas’ death has brought attention to Alabama’s hate crime statute, which does not currently include protections for crimes motivated by sexual orientation or gender identity. The family, with the support of advocacy organizations like the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), hopes that her case will result in changes to the law that will allow those who commit such crimes to face harsher penalties.
According to a HRC study from 2023, a romantic, sexual, or intimate partner murdered more than 20% of transgender and gender-expansive people with known killers. This grim statistic underscores the urgent need for legal reforms to protect vulnerable communities.
A Pattern of Violence
Thomas’ death is part of a disturbing trend of violence against transgender individuals in the United States. In April and May of this year alone, Thomas was the sixth transgender or gender-expansive person to be killed. Nationally, at least 15 transgender and gender-expansive people have been killed so far in 2024, continuing a years-long pattern of deadly violence.
Court records and initial news reports misgendered and deadnamed Thomas, a common issue that further disrespects and dehumanizes transgender victims. Her family and the HRC have worked to correct these inaccuracies, ensuring that Thomas is remembered with the dignity she deserved.
Remembering Tayy Dior Thomas
Thomas was known for her bright smile and dimples, her shy yet fearless nature, and her natural leadership abilities. Her grandmother fondly recalled, “Tayy always had a huge smile on her face, showing her dimples.” Despite the challenges she faced, Thomas remained a beacon of love and support for those around her.
The HRC’s Tori Cooper, director of community engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative, expressed sorrow over Thomas’ death and the broader issue of intimate partner violence within the transgender community. “She had so much life ahead of her, and it is heartbreaking that that potential was ripped away so violently by someone she was supposed to be able to trust,” Cooper stated.
The family has started a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses, and they are determined to see justice served. They are also advocating for Thomas’ murder to be classified as a hate crime, a move that could have significant implications for future cases.
Alabama’s current hate crime law does not cover crimes motivated by the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity. However, federal law might offer a pathway for hate crime charges in this case. The family’s fight for justice is not just about one case but about creating a safer and more equitable future for all transgender individuals.
Thomas’ passing serves as a stark reminder of the violence transgender people—particularly transgender women of color—experience. The need for comprehensive legal protections, community support, and societal acceptance is more urgent than ever. Advocacy groups continue to push for reforms, while families like Thomas’ work tirelessly to honor their loved ones and prevent further tragedies.
The Bottom Line
Tayy Dior Thomas’ life, though tragically short, was filled with love, kindness, and potential. Her death has left an indelible mark on her family, friends, and the broader transgender community. As her loved ones mourn and seek justice, they also call for change, hoping that her story will lead to greater awareness and legal protections for transgender individuals. The fight for justice for Thomas is a fight for the safety, dignity, and rights of all transgender people.
In memory of Tayy Dior Thomas, we stand with her family and community, advocating for a world where every transgender individual can live authentically and safely.
