TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Cameron Jamal Mikquise Thompson, an 18-year-old Black transgender woman with dreams of college and a career, was fatally shot on Dec. 16 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in what her family and advocates describe as a senseless act of hate.
Authorities have arrested a minor suspect and charged him as an adult with murder. Police have suggested that the shooting stemmed from online comments Thompson made about the suspect’s sexuality. While the investigation continues, Thompson’s family believes her death was a hate crime motivated by her transgender identity.
Thompson, described as having a “contagious smile,” had recently completed a Job Corps program and was working at UPS to save for college. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help with her funeral expenses.
Advocates say the tragedy is a stark reminder of the violence and discrimination faced by transgender individuals, particularly Black transgender women, who are disproportionately targeted. According to the Human Rights Campaign, at least 32 transgender or gender-nonconforming people have been killed in the U.S. this year, though the true number is likely higher due to misreporting.
“Black trans women are at the intersection of racism, transphobia, and misogyny,” the HRC said in a statement. “This violence must stop.”
The circumstances surrounding Thompson’s death point to the toxic mix of online harassment and societal intolerance. Reports suggest that Thompson’s comments about the suspect’s sexuality may have escalated tensions. Advocates stress that the focus should remain on the broader issue of anti-transgender violence and the cultural climate that enables it.
Transgender rights organizations and advocacy groups have called for increased protections for trans individuals and greater public awareness of the harm caused by hate speech and discrimination. Thompson’s death, they argue, is a stark warning about the consequences of intolerance.
For Thompson’s family, the loss is immeasurable. Matthews-Cunningham said her daughter had so much life left to live and described her as a vibrant and loving person who worked hard to overcome challenges and build a better future.
Thompson’s murder has sparked calls for justice, not just for her but for all transgender people who live in fear of violence. Her family and advocates hope that her story will bring attention to the urgent need for acceptance and understanding.