Update on Duanna Johnson Fundraiser

From the Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition

For Immediate Release: Dated November 15, 2008

A Very Special Thank You

Yesterday afternoon, the Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition issued a special appeal on behalf of the family of Duanna Johnson to help them cover funeral expenses.

In only four hours, nearly two hundred people responded by opening their hearts and their wallets. You donated over $5300 to the fund. We are still counting the final figures, but not only will this cover the costs of the funeral, but all of the remaining money is being given directly to the family to use as they see fit.

We realize your donations will not ease the pain of Duanna’s tragic loss to her family, but you have sent a message to the world that the lives of transgender people matter, and that we appreciate Duanna’s fight for respect.

Words cannot begin to express the heartfelt gratitude of all the members of TTPC who are touched by your incredble generosity.

The link to the Duanna Johnson Funeral Fund on our website is closed now, but if you still wish to make donations, either to Duanna’s family, or to assist TTPC in the work we do to provide a voice for Tennessee’s transgender community, you can still do so through our regular donation page. We will honor all requests to use the money as you designate.

We pledge to continue Duanna’s fight with the same dignity that she showed.

Thank you.

Rest in Peace Duanna.

Marisa Richmond
President

Duanna Johnson Murdered, Please Help

Update: This seems to be a legit way to donate. The Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition

If you haven’t heard yet about the murder of Duanna Johnson, it is a tragedy that needs to be exposed and talked about. From Cara at The Curvature:

Less than five months ago, I wrote about Duanna Johnson — a transgender woman who was beaten by Memphis police while handcuffed and in custody. She was sprayed with mace, hit with a closed fist by an officer who wore handcuffs around his knuckles, ignored by medical staff, and called abhorrent transphobic names. Her attack was caught on tape, and Duanna dared to speak out against the violence and injustice that was committed against her. And two officers were rightfully fired, but wrongfully apparently not prosecuted.

Now, Duanna is dead. She was shot, and her body was found lying in the street. Just left there.

Duanna Johnson’s family needs money to help pay for her funeral. If you can, please donate. Reading through this thread, it seems as if there are a lot of complications going on with making donations to this Funeral Home. Some of it seems awfully shady to me. Since I’m posting this late in the evening, I suggest that folks that are interested in donating and helping this family out make a call to the funeral home first thing tomorrow morning and demand that appropriate accommodations are made for this family to pay for their child’s funeral. This is an outrage. We should not let this stand.

The balance for Duanna Johnson’s funeral is $1195 and the funeral home is requiring Mrs. Skinner (Duanna’s mother) to pay it by tomorrow (11/14). The cost is a hardship, so we are asking anyone who can to donate. Please send any donations to:
N.J. Ford and Sons Funeral Home
12 S Parkway W
Memphis, TN 38109

If you want any clarification from NJ Ford, here is their contact number: (901) 948-7755.

Please forward this to as many people as you can!! Thanks!

Links of help and solidarity. Together, we can make a difference (if you’re putting the word out there and helping as you can, let me know in comments and I’ll add you):

Duanna Johnson’s Family Needs Donations

Duanna Johnson’s Family Needs Donations For Funeral

Transgender Abuse Victim Shot To Death

Duanna Johnson, Murdered

Duanna Johnson Needs Money To Pay For Funeral

Pass-Along: Duanna Johnson’s Family Needs Help Paying for Funeral

And Now The Fords Are Involved

Duanna Johnson’s Family Needs Donations For Funeral