Statement on the Murder of 14-Year-Old Transgender Girl Pauly Likens in PA
Fairness Pennsylvania is deeply saddened and outraged by the tragic murder of Pauly Likens, a transgender teen from Sharon, Pennsylvania. This horrific crime has shaken our community to its core. Pauly Likens and her family deserve justice, and we demand a thorough investigation into this senseless act of violence with the highest accountability.
Pauly was a beautiful young woman with her whole life ahead of her. Described by her loved ones as a sweet soul, she had a passion for nature and dreamed of becoming a park ranger like her aunt. Her untimely death is a stark reminder of the urgent need for greater protections and safety for transgender youth and adults everywhere. No one should fear for their life simply for being who they are.
While PA lacks comprehensive hate crime legislation that explicitly protects LGBTQ+ individuals from targeted violence based on gender identity or sexual orientation, Mercer County District Attorney Peter Acker confirmed that federal hate crimes statute could still be considered. We join Pauly’s family and other advocates and organizations in the call for a thorough investigation and consideration of the highest appropriate considerations for accountability.
A November 2023 report from the National Center for Transgender Equality found that at least 53 transgender people were killed in the year prior, and an additional 33 people were lost to suicide. It's no coincidence that we're seeing a rise inn violent attacks on the transgender community at the same time politicians across the country are introducing and adopting an alarmingly high number of anti-trans laws. The FBI's national crime statistics released in October of last year showed a 32.9 percent jump in reported hate crimes based on gender identity from the previous year, despite hate crimes overall decreasing across the country.
Pauly Likens, her family, and their entire community deserve nothing less than justice. Our thoughts are with Pauly's family and the entire Sharon & LGBTQ+ communities during this incredibly difficult time. We stand in solidarity with them as they grieve this immeasurable loss.
There will be a vigil to honor Pauly Likens's memory on Saturday, July 13th at 7pm, located at 87 Stambaugh Ave, Sharon, PA. We encourage all who can to attend and show their support.
Pauly Likens deserves justice. We must work tirelessly to ensure that all transgender individuals can live their lives free from the threat of violence and discrimination.
