Candlelight vigil held for 3rd Black transgender woman killed in Milwaukee

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Wednesday, March 1, Milwaukee's LGBTQ community came together to remember the life of Cashay Henderson and other trans women who have lost their lives to violence.

Henderson was a 31-year-old transgender woman. She was shot and killed in her apartment, Sunday, Feb 26.

A suspect for Henderson's death was arrested, Tuesday, Feb. 28.

The death of Henderson marks the third Black transgender woman to be killed in Milwaukee in the last nine months.

Now, after several cases of violence against Black transgender women, the community is calling for action.

"It has become dangerous where us trans women do not even want to come out the house, because we are in fear that we will be next," said one trans activist.

A candlelight vigil was held outside the MKE LGBT community center, where dozens of people gathered with candles in hand and tears on their faces.

Their purpose, to remember the names of Milwaukee trans women who've been killed over the years.

The latest name to the list -- Cashay Henderson.

"Like us as Black women of trans experience, she knew what it was like to have to fight for and demand respect," said a trans activist.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson was also in attendance, calling for the protection of the LGBTQ+ community.

"We must take every reasonable step to protect transgender people and the entire LGBTQ+ community in Milwaukee, in Wisconsin, throughout the nation and indeed throughout the world," said Johnson.

Members of the trans community said city leaders need to step up.

"I don’t want to be the one who said, oh yeah, this is the work she tried to do, no this is the work we need to do," said a trans activist.

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