Shante Sequoia stood with her arms crossed tightly in silent fury as she mourned the death of transgender teen Gwen Araujo at an impromptu gathering in the Castro District on June 23.The gathering was pulled together just hours after the murder case was declared a mistrial.

Sequoia, formerly known as Maceo Vernon Eidsvik, was just one of many in the transgender community to show support for the family.

“I come out in public for people like Gwen. I hope it gives courage for other people to come out of the closet,” said Sequoia.

Araujo, whose birth name was Edward, was killed after being beaten and strangled by three men at a party. This murder has been one of the major events that have pulled transgender issues to the forefront of the news.

LYRIC (Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center) is one of the organizations helping transgender teens speak out. It is a counseling center for troubled and questioning gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual teens, commonly known as the LGBT community.

“I’m homeless, I’m transgender, I’m young and I’m colored. This place is one of the last places we have,” said 21-year-old Sequoia, who is a member.

Although the mistrial has surprised and shocked many people, it seems as if the LGBT community saw it coming.

“I’m shocked, but in a way, I’m not shocked. I mean, whenever queer folk are killed, they get the short end of the stick, said Alecs, a 23-year-old who defines his sexuality as “a little bit of everything.”

“Even from the beginning of the trial, I was worried about what was going to happen. Now, they’re practically free to walk the streets again.”
Sequoia felt similarly.

“I saw this whole thing coming, but it still pissed me off. I’m upset that (this happened) during gay pride week. If no one starts up a protest, I’ll do it myself,” she said.

“But let’s just hope no riots develop during the gay pride parade.”
Alecs said, “This murder has definitely changed some things. It has brought light to the fact that every time transgenders walk out of the door, they’re taking a risk.”

Many people expressed strong opinions of what the final verdict should be in the Gwen Araujo case.

“(The final verdict should be) burned at the stake. Tarred. Beheaded. Feathered. The life sentence at least,” said 26-year-old Charlard, who works in the Castro District.

Although the family must wait until the fall for a retrial, for now, they have the love and support of the community in their time of need.

BAMMA is a summer journalism camp for high school students coordinated by the Center for Integration and Improvement of Journalism through the journalism department at SF State. For more information or comments on BAMMA, please contact Cristina Azocar.