For Immediate Release: January 2, 2022
Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548
(Swissvale, PA) -- Amarey Lej, also known as Myara, should be here right now. Instead we are grieving her loss, after the 21-year-old Black trans woman was found shot dead in Wilkinsburg this past weekend.
Amarey was a bright woman and former student of Woodland Hills. We at SisTers PGH would like to send her fellow classmates our deepest condolences, but also our deepest gratitude, as you rose in protection of Amarey when she needed it most.
The fact that the first murder of a trans person in the United States took place in our city should not be overlooked. Unfortunately, many trans women of color already know that this city, as well as the greater southwestern Pennsylvania area, is not safe for us. Amarey was not the first, but it is up to every one of us to fight like hell to make sure she is the last.
This is our time, as trans people and activists, to gather and engage in conversations regarding safety and policy. It is our time to demand not only justice for Amarey, but for all of us. Our lives are on the line, and we deserve not just survival, but peace and JOY.
As we move into this New Year, let’s keep Amarey in our hearts and minds to inspire us on this journey for our liberation.
SisTers PGH is a Black- and trans-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves trans and nonbinary people within Southwestern Pennsylvania. Learn more at www.sisterspgh.org.
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