Transgender woman who was a ‘loving, beautiful person’ becomes the 28th killed this year

A transgender woman has been shot and killed in a brutal attack.

Brandi Seals, 26, was shot dead in a street in Houston, Texas, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The victim, who was charged with felony prostitution in December 2015, was reportedly undertaking sex work in order to fund surgery.

Friends and family grieve the loss of Brandi (FOX 26)

Police have suggested Brandi was killed by someone after they realised she was a transgender woman, and not a man as they had thought.

This kind of attack is horrifically common.

Maria Cheeks, Brandi’s aunt, paid tribute to the victim, though she – like the police – misgendered her niece throughout.

Maria Cheeks (FOX 26)

“He was a loving person,” she told Fox 26.

“A beautiful person.

“I mean yes, he can pass for a woman, because he was just that beautiful. You know what I’m saying?”

Friends and family grieve the loss of Brandi (FOX 26)

Wiping away tears, the visibly distraught Cheeks added: “Whoever took his life, they have to answer.

“Maybe the police might not get you, but you will have to answer to one person – and that’s the higher power of God.

• Dec 01

16 TV stars you grew up watching who later came out as LGBTQ+