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Transgender individuals are disproportionately impacted by hate crime, and research has shown that transgender women of color are especially vulnerable. Iyanna Dior, a Black trans woman from Minnesota, was the target of the latest such hate crime when she was attacked on June 1.
Video of the attack has since gone viral, with many people calling for justice for Iyanna. Transgender activist and Pose producer Janet Mock has posted about Iyanna on Instagram , saying that her "heart aches" for her. "If Black lives matter then Black trans lives should matter as well. We are here. We been here," she wrote alongside photos of Iyanna. Jameela Jamil also wrote on Twitter , "Black lives still matter when youre trans. Its the start of Pride. We need to do better. We see you and stand with you Iyanna."
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Iyanna Dior is a young black transwoman who was beaten up by a huge crowd of men. In the middle of a protest for black lives. Black lives still matter when youre trans. Its the start of Pride. We need to do better. We see you and stand with you Iyanna. #BLACKTRANSLIVESMATTER pic.twitter.com/TjIzwe4f4m Jameela Jamil (@jameelajamil)
Heres what you need to know about Iyanna, and how you can directly help.
Iyanna was attacked after a car accident.
According to the video being shared online (which Women's Health has decided not to share as it may trigger trauma), Iyanna, who is 21, and an unidentified Black man had an argument outside a convenience store after the two were in a minor car accident. A large group of peopleup to 30 of themjumped in, started beating Iyanna, and yelled transphobic slurs at her, according to Elle . No one tried to help her. Eventually, Iyanna was able to break free and ran behind the stores front counter.
Iyanna has shared on social media that shes 'OK.'
Since the attack, Iyanna has gone on Facebook to say that she needs "some time to process everything thats going on." She also thanked people for reaching out to see if shes okay. Iyanna also shared a video of herself that showed off the swelling on her face and arm, as well as cuts on her lips.
You can donate to help her.
Iyanna has a CashApp where you can donate money to help her. Her username is $IyannaDIO, according to Janet Mock. There was also a march planned for her today, but according to Iyanna's Facebook page, it was cancelled.
You can also donate to various organizations committed to helping Black and trans people: