As the date approaches for the trial of Dwight DeLee for the murder of transwoman Lateisha “Teish” Green, we feel strongly that there is a need to remember Teish, and reiterate the fact that this story needs more coverage than it is currently getting.
Lateisha Green was a 22-year-old transwoman living in Syracuse, NY who was brutally murdered in 2008 in a vehicle with her brother (who is an openly gay man). The murder is rightfully being classified as a hate crime because of the transphobic and homophobic slurs before the shooting, and the fact that neither Teish or her brother knew the men beforehand. This case has sadly received minimal media coverage both within the LGBT community and mainstream media. It would seem that murders of trans women (and African-American transwomen in particular) are being swept under the rug.
What is additionally disturbing is the fact that even though Lateisha’s family accepted her transition completely, the media continually refers to Teish as a gay man. Not only does this case need more coverage, but the media needs to be more educated, aware and knowledgeable about trans people.
DeLee’s trial is set to begin on July 13 2009. This is the first hate crimes prosecution in New York State involving the murder of a transgender person. If DeLee is convicted, it will be only the second time in U.S. history that a transgender person’s murder has resulted in a hate crimes conviction. Angie Zapata’s murder was the first.
Please join the facebook group “Justice for Teish Green” HERE.
And read more from the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund & Transgriot
