City’s Office of LGBT Affairs and Mayor’s Commission on LGBT Affairs Release Statements on

Murder of Tamika aka Michelle Washington

PHILADELPHIA — On Sunday, May 19, 2019 Tamika aka Michelle Washington was shot multiple times and later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. Washington—a black, transgender woman—was a longtime advocate for the Philadelphia transgender community. Amber Hikes, Executive Director of Philadelphia’s Office of LGBT Affairs, and Raquel Evita Saraswati, Chair of the Mayor’s Commission on LGBT Affairs, released statements following Tamika aka Michelle Washington’s death:

Amber Hikes, Executive Director of Philadelphia’s Office of LGBT Affairs
“I am devastated by the senseless murder of yet another one of our trans sisters. Tamika was a brilliant and outgoing member of Philadelphia’s transgender community, known for her advocacy and mentorship, and she will be profoundly missed. The epidemic of violence that continues to plague the transgender community—disproportionately impacting trans women of color— is heartbreaking, frightening, and infuriating. The Office of LGBT Affairs will continue combating hate and providing support for the LGBTQ community in Tamika’s memory. We extend our deepest sympathies to Tamika’s loved ones and all members of our LGBTQ community who have been and will forever be impacted by this tragedy. Our Office is here to connect anyone who may be in need to resources and support following this horrific incident. Finally, we encourage anyone who may have information about the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department as we work together to seek justice for Tamika.”

Raquel Evita Saraswati, Chair of the Mayor’s Commission on LGBT Affairs
“The news of the murder and death of Michelle ‘Tamika’ Washington has hit so many in our community hard. More than a news story, she was a friend, a loved one, a beloved. The Mayor’s Commission on LGBT Affairs offers our solidarity, our commitment to #SayHerName, and a commitment to ending the plague of anti-black, anti-trans, and queerphobic violence that plagues not just our nation, but our own local community. Our community is nothing without black trans women, and we will mourn the loss of Michelle ‘Tamika’ Washington today and in the years to come. We pledge to not let her loss be in vain, and to stand with those who both endure and combat this violence on a daily basis.”
 
Anyone with information regarding Tamika’s case can contact the Philadelphia Police Department to leave an anonymous tip by calling 215-686-TIPS.