Police investigate killing of trans woman Marlow Trottie in Louisiana
Marlow Trottie’s murder is being investigated by Louisiana police (Image: Marlow Trottie/Facebook)
Family, friends, and the LGBTQ+ community are mourning Marlow Trottie, a 35-year-old Black trans woman who was found dead in Alexandria, Louisiana, on 8 June.
Police have confirmed in an Alexandria Police Department press release that her death is being investigated as a homicide, though authorities have not yet released details about how she was killed or whether any suspects have been identified.
Marlow remembered by loved ones
Friends, family members and former classmates have remembered Trottie as a kind-hearted person who could make anyone laugh. One classmate described her in a Facebook comment as “literally the sweetest person I’ve ever met,” while others recalled her constant smile and positive spirit.
While some people who knew Trottie refer to her with “he/him” pronouns online, across several of her social media profiles, Trottie publicly identified as female and frequently shared uplifting messages about resilience, authenticity, and self-acceptance.
“I am me,” one post read. “I don’t pretend to be everyone else. I don’t want to be like everyone else. And I will not change who I am just to fit in.”
LGBTQ+ advocates and journalists emphasise the importance of respecting a person’s self-identification, particularly after death, as per the Trans Journalism Association’s 2024 advisory.
High levels of anti-trans violence
Trottie’s death has sent shockwaves through the trans community, where advocates continue to raise concerns about violence targeting transgender people, especially Black trans women. Trottie is the 11th known trans person to be killed in the last three months.
While the homicide investigation continues, friends and loved ones are calling for answers, accountability and justice for a woman they say deserved far more than to be remembered solely for the circumstances of her death.
If you’ve been affected by this story, you can reach out to Mind on 0300 123 3393, Switchboard on 0800 0119 100 or the Samaritans on 116 123.
Readers in the US can call or text 988. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
