Sakia Gunn, born in 1987, grew up as the oldest of three siblings. She was known for being a peacemaker within her family. Despite being raised by her Jehovah's Witness grandmother, Thelma, Sakia embraced her own identity. She was described as charismatic and dynamic by her friends. Sakia had a passion for basketball and aspired to play in the Women’s National Basketball Association.Identifying as an African American lesbian, Sakia faced discrimination both within and outside the LGBTQ+ community. She proudly identified as an "AG-lesbian" and "Aggressive," challenging societal norms. Sakia and her friends often visited LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhoods and hangouts.On a significant day, an unfortunate encounter occurred that led to a tragic turn of events. This incident highlighted the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those of color, and sparked outrage within the community. The aftermath of this event underscored the importance of unity and justice.For more information, please see our citations:Sprinkle, Stephen. Unfinished Lives: Reviving the Memories of LGBTQ Hate Crimes Victims. Eugene, Or, Resource Publications, 2011.‌Meenan, Mick. “Sakia Gunn’s Killer Pleads Guilty – Gay City News.” Gaycitynews.com, 16 Mar. 2005, gaycitynews.com/sakia-gunns-killer-pleads-guilty/. Accessed 20 Aug. 2023.‌Kelley, Kristin. A Mixed-Method Examination of Homicides Targeting LGBT Individuals in the United States. 2013.‌Music Credit:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/torus/hourglassLicense code: DSUNKBMLNGRCYTRVMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/movediz/shady-thoughtsLicense code: NLTQLQAUBV0UXMZH

Brandon Teena, born Teena Renae Brandon, was a transgender man from Nebraska. In 1993, he began living as a man and formed friendships in a new town. However, his identity was discovered, leading to a brutal attack and murder by two men in December 1993. Brandon's story highlighted the violence transgender individuals face and sparked discussions about LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance, further amplified by the film "Boys Don't Cry."For more information, please visit our citations:“The Brandon Teena Story — the Trial — Crime Library on TruTV.com.” Web.archive.org, 14 Dec. 2013, web.archive.org/web/20131214094604/http:/www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/not_guilty/brandon/6.html. Accessed 6 Aug. 2023.Bergin, Nicholas (December 29, 2013). "Brandon Teena's mom: 'We've come a long way'". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved August 6, 2023."Brandon film lawsuit settled". Chicago Sun-Times. March 11, 2000. Archived from the original on October 16, 2007. Retrieved August 6, 2023.Music Credit:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/movediz/shady-thoughtsLicense code: YAYGA8L0LTVP4I8YMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/torus/hourglassLicense code: UBQH2GUGVWOLBLZO