Mar’Quis “MJ” Jackson, a Black transgender man, was found dead in Philadelphia on 14 December.
Jackson’s body was found dead in the backyard of a residence in Nicetown, Philadelphia, with blunt force trauma reported as the cause of death. He had celebrated his birthday two days prior.
According to Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents, Philadelphia Police have ruled Jackson’s death as a homicide and are continuing to investigate the circumstances behind his death.
One suspect was reportedly detained but released due to a lack of sufficient evidence.
Born in South Carolina, Jackson was a supporter of various organisations including the William Way Community Center in Philadelphia and the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund.
Jackson’s friend Sharree Harvey described him as “full of life and love” and said he would “get the party started anywhere.” She continued to say that he “loved everybody” and “wasn’t a person you can stay mad at”.
Harvey has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with Jackson’s funeral expenses, which has surpassed its $2,000 goal with over $3,400 (as of writing).
Jackson is at least the 39th trans person to be killed in the United States this year, the vast majority of which have been Black and Brown transgender women.
According to the Human Rights Campaign, 57 members of the community tragically lost their lives in 2021 (the highest number since the organisation started tracking anti-LGBTQ+ violence in 2013).
Anyone with information regarding Jackson’s death is asked to call or text (215) 686-TIPS or submit information online.
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