Individuals Memorialized in Joseph Liatela’s
“A WOMAN CALLING HERSELF JEANNE THE PUCELLE (THE MAID), LEAVING OFF THE DRESS AND CLOTHING OF THE FEMININE SEX, A THING CONTRARY TO DIVINE LAW AND ABOMINABLE BEFORE GOD, AND FORBIDDEN BY ALL LAWS, WORE CLOTHING AND ARMOR SUCH AS IS WORN BY MEN.” (2017–ongoing)
Information about these individuals was provided by Remembering Our Dead and Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents.
Shyyell Diamond Sanchez-McCray
Birthdate unknown; died March 13, 2026
Petersburg, VA
Age 42
Shyyell Diamond Sanchez-McCray was a drag performer known as Mabel by her loved ones. She worked at an LGBTQ bar in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was involved with the Nationz Pageantry system. She also ran a catering company and started her own pageant company.
Lia Smith
March 7, 2004–October 23, 2025
Middlebury, VT
Age 21
Lia Smith was a student and athlete at Middlebury College, where she double-majored in computer science and statistics. Professor Amy Briggs described her as “curious, fearless, and unfailingly kind.” Smith was part of Middlebury’s women’s swimming and diving team but had recently left the team, citing the pressure and isolation she felt due to increasing attacks on trans athletes.
Marisol Payero
May 6, 2003–October 27, 2025
Kennesaw, GA
Age 22
Marisol Payero was a student in her final semester studying history education at Kennesaw State University. She was the president of the Kennesaw Pride Alliance and led the opening of the KPA Pride Center after the university closed the LGBTQ+ resource center. Payero was of Dominican and Argentinian descent and a practicing Celtic Druid.
Miles Phipps
October 21, 2010–November 4, 2025
Urbandale, IA
Age 15
Miles Phipps was a freshman at Urbandale High School. Throughout his young life, he faced bullying and harassment. A songwriter, Phipps’s mother shared these lyrics he wrote: “Even when the world feels cold and rough, you’ve got to know that you are enough… Just hold on and don’t give up ’cause you are, you are loved.”
Girlalala
September 25, 2004–November 15, 2025
Tampa, FL
Age 21
Girlalala was a hairstylist, content creator, and influencer with a large online following. Fans admired her for her bold personality, sense of humor, and authenticity, especially as a Black trans woman navigating the public eye. Her online presence mixed creativity, personal stories, and unapologetic self-expression.
Danny Siplin
September 23, 1992–December 26, 2025
Rochester, NY
Age 33
Danny “Dusse” Siplin was a son, friend, and beloved member of Rochester’s queer and Black communities. He was involved with the Avenue Blackbox Theatre, a company that focuses on the stories of LGBTQ+ people, BIPOC communities, and other marginalized populations.
Rosaline Mattaboni
March 19, 2003–December 28, 2025
Millersville, PA
Age 22
Rosaline “Rose” Mattaboni was intelligent, kind, and compassionate, with a vibrant personality. She attended Millersville University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
Ashtyn Tice
November 28, 2007–February 9, 2026
Dothan, AL
Age 17
According to Ashtyn Tice’s Facebook page, she enjoyed “occasional drawing and studying plants.” A friend described her as “humble, compassionate, and kind.”
Rylie Autumn Heart
Birthdate unknown; February 10, 2026
Homestead, PA
Age 40
The description in Rylie Autumn Heart’s Instagram account included lyrics from Leonard Cohen’s song “Anthem”: “There is a crack, a crack in everything—that’s how the light gets in.”
Updated March 27, 2026.
This list will be updated regularly.
