For Immediate Release: February 20, 2021
Contact: Ciora Thomas, ciora.thomas@sisterspgh.org, 412-297-0548
(PITTSBURGH) – SisTers PGH released the following statement in the wake of the fatal beating of Chyna Carrillo, a Black Trans woman, in New Wilmington, Pa.:
“Chyna Carrillo’s death on February 19 after being beaten in broad daylight in New Wilmington has shocked many in our community. We at SisTers PGH are grief-stricken by this loss, one that comes on the heels of a devastating 2020 that claimed the lives of 44 beautiful Trans siblings in America.
“Chyna’s life was stolen just outside the nursing home she dedicated herself to, having moved from Arkansas during the pandemic to help some of our most vulnerable residents. She deserves the same love and respect as the seniors she served with all her heart.
“Celebrations of Chyna’s life will carry on with the joy she brought to others. We will be hosting a socially-distanced candlelight vigil in honor of the great burning star that was Chyna Carrillo on Sunday, February 21, at 5 PM at The Grove at Wilmington parking lot (520 South New Castle Street, New Wilmington, PA).
“Let us honor Chyna by uplifting others in their time of need, just as she always did, and by recommitting to the urgent fight for true equity and dignity for Black and Trans people all across the globe.”
SisTers PGH is a Black and Trans-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves people of color, trans, and nonbinary people within Southwestern Pennsylvania. www.sisterspgh.org