A Mother’s Vow to Uphold Her Daughter’s Legacy
DALLAS, TX – In a poignant courtroom scene, Stephanie Houston, mother of the slain Black transgender woman Muhlaysia Booker, confronted her daughter’s killer with a message of resilience and continuation of advocacy. Booker, who was just 22 when fatally shot in Dallas in 2019, had begun significant advocacy work for transgender rights, a legacy her mother pledged to carry forward.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Kendrell Lyles, 37, admitted guilt in Booker’s murder, pleading guilty as the jury selection was about to commence. Lyles, who was sentenced to 48 years in prison, committed the crime under unclear motives, as noted by his attorney. The conviction comes as a small measure of justice in a case that has highlighted the dangers faced by transgender individuals, particularly Black transgender women.
Booker’s Advocacy and Impact
Booker’s life, though tragically short, was marked by her courage and commitment to advocacy, especially after surviving a brutal attack a month prior to her murder. That assault, captured on a viral cellphone video, showed Booker being beaten while homophobic slurs were hurled at her. Despite this, Booker remained steadfast, using her experience to raise awareness about the violence and discrimination faced by the transgender community.
A Voice for the Voiceless
In court, Booker’s friend Jordan Ford spoke of how the earlier assault did not break Booker’s spirit but rather fueled her determination to speak out against hate and violence. Booker was known for her mentorship of younger LGBTQ+ people and for her encouraging messages on social media, advocating for authenticity and acceptance.
Booker’s Final Hours
Details emerged in court about the events leading to Booker’s death. She was last seen getting into a vehicle that matched the description of one driven by Lyles. Lyles reportedly frequented areas known for transgender sex workers, as per an arrest warrant. Booker’s body was discovered on a Dallas street on May 18, 2019, marking a grim end to her life but not to her impact.
A Mother’s Heartache and Determination
Houston expressed her deep sorrow and outrage in court, recalling her warnings to her daughter about dangerous individuals. She denounced the way her daughter was treated by her killer, emphasizing Booker’s humanity and worth beyond labels. In her daughter’s honor, Houston established the Muhlaysia Booker Foundation to support transgender individuals.
A Broader Context of Violence
Booker’s story is part of a larger, disturbing trend of violence against transgender people in the United States. According to the Human Rights Campaign, since 2013, there have been at least 334 killings of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals, with a disproportionate number being transgender women of color. Texas, in particular, has seen a significant share of these tragic incidents.
Continuing the Fight for Transgender Rights
Booker’s death and her mother’s subsequent advocacy underscore the ongoing challenges and dangers faced by the transgender community. The fight for transgender rights and safety continues, with individuals like Booker and organizations like the Muhlaysia Booker Foundation leading the charge in the face of adversity.
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