National Black Justice Coalition Mourns the Loss of Asia Jynaé Foster

Washington -- The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) mourns the loss of Asia Jynaé Foster.

Asia Jynaé Foster, a 22-year-old Black trans woman was found dead due to multiple gunshot wounds in Houston, Texas on Friday, November 20. She was a client of Montrose Grace Place, a drop-in shelter for unhoused LGBTQ+ youth. They memorialized her on their Facebook page saying she was outgoing and funny. A candlelight vigil was held in Asia's honor on Sunday.

"It should be lost on no one that Asia passed away on Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day meant to honor the trans members of our community whose lives have been stolen due to anti-trans violence," said executive director David J. Johns. "I hope we honor Asia by ending the violence experienced by trans members of our community. I know that one way to do this is to follow the direction of Sage Dolan-Sandrino who called for us to do more to shift from remembering our trans siblings in times of tragedy and crisis to celebrating and supporting them while they are able to smell their flowers."

According to NBJC, 44 trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming people have been lost to anti-transgender violence this year, far surpassing any prior year on record.

"Like Asia, a majority of the victims have been Black women and many have been killed by a firearm," continued Johns. "We know, in part because we continue to issue releases mourning these murders, that not enough is being done to stop the horrific epidemic of violence facing our trans communities. It is time for leaders at every level to acknowledge and address this epidemic of violence, including by advancing legislation that protects the trans community and ensures they receive the justice they deserve. We all need to fight the stigma and transphobia we see in our daily lives. We must focus on what we can do to ensure our trans siblings are safe, and can live in a world where they are not targeted for being their authentic selves."

"When I see Asia's face I am reminded of my sisters, my cousins, my aunts, and so many other Black women in my life. I know that if any of them were murdered I would fight with everything in me to see justice and to see that it never happened to anyone else's family. We need us all to see our family in Asia's face. Fight for her like you would your sister or your mother. At NBJC, we will and we call on everyone, especially other Black community members to do the same," said Deputy Executive Director Victoria Kirby York.

The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is America's leading civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and same gender loving (LGBTQ/SGL) people, including people living with HIV.