GLAAD STATEMENT ON MURDER OF TRANSGENDER 18-YEAR-OLD JAZLYNN JOHNSON IN LAS VEGAS

(New York, NY — May 14, 2024) Today GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, issued the following statement in response to the murder of Jazlynn Johnson, an 18-year-old transgender teenager from Las Vegas who was killed by a 17-year-old boy earlier this month.

GLAAD’s President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis (she/her) issued the following statement in response to the news:

“We are heartbroken to learn of the murder of Jazlynn Johnson, a young transgender woman. Jazlynn’s murder is the latest in a pattern of senseless deaths among transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming youth across America who face rampant harassment and violence simply because of who they are. The hostile climate of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and proposed legislation has a real-world impact on LGBTQ lives. All of us who believe in love and kindness have an obligation to speak out to support every young person’s right to live freely as themselves, in safety, peace, and acceptance. GLAAD sends our deepest condolences to Jazlynn’s loved ones, and we will work side by side with advocates in Nevada fighting for the safety of all LGBTQ people in their state.”

André Wade, the State Director of Silver State Equality, Nevada’s statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released the following statement yesterday afternoon:

“Earlier this month, 18-year-old trans teen Jazlynn Johnson was shot to death in Las Vegas. Mere words lack the capacity to convey the LGBTQ+ community’s sadness at this incomprehensible violence and our deepest sympathy for Jazlynn’s family and friends. While a 17-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with murder, we urge continual investigation to determine if this can be charged as a hate crime. Crimes against transgender and gender non-conforming people – especially transgender youth of color – continue to escalate nationwide. As we grieve for Jazlynn, we must never give up hope that one day all people will live lives that are healthy, just and fully equal for all.”

Media covering the news of Jazlynn’s death can refer to the following resources:

• Doubly Victimized: Reporting on Transgender Victims of Crime
• More Than a Number – Shifting the Media Narrative on Transgender Homicides
• GLAAD’s Media Reference Guide: Tips on Covering Transgender People
• The most recent U.S. Trans Survey, conducted by the National Center for Transgender Equality

There have been a record number of anti-LGBTQ bills proposed in state legislatures across the country in 2023 and 2024, the majority of which specifically attack transgender people and youth.