BTL STAFF
Photo courtesy of Equality Michigan.
DETROIT – Equality Michigan has learned that the body of a 25-year-old trans person was found brutally murdered in a field in Detroit on July 14.
Ashton O'Hara identified as transgender and was genderfluid and was still using male pronouns at the time of his death. O'Hara's murder is the 14th reported murder of a transgender person this year and the 12th murder of a trans person of color.
"I know Ashton is with God, but every day is a challenge. I hope speaking about this might help save somebody – even just one person saved will be worth it. A lot of people find it hard to be themselves in this world, but Ashton was always uniquely him. It's time for everyone to be respected," said O'Hara's mother, Rebecca.
By all accounts, Ashton was full of love for his family and friends and lived life on his terms. He loved kids, to dance, to perform at clubs and he loved doing hair (he taught himself how to braid extensions at the age of 4). He reportedly told his mother at the age of 2, "Mama, you are so pretty, I want to be just like you when I grow up."
Even though Ashton had so much love in his life, he often felt alone, and that no one really loved him.
"Maybe the kind of love he was searching for was to love himself," Rebecca said.
After Rebecca found out the news, a candlelight vigil was held. She was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support by friends and family at the funeral on July 20. Her one request of those in attendance was to wear bright colors, "because my son lived."
The Detroit Police Department recently earned high praise from Rebecca at a recent LGBT community conversation for its treatment of her and Ashton.
"They have been so considerate. I was shocked that they actually care about who he was. They were so sincere. I feel like things are different with this chief. I think he really cares, and I never felt that way about any of the other chiefs. I'm glad I got to thank him in person," she said. DPD has suspect, Larry B. Gaulding, in custody and a first-degree murder trial is set to begin on Sept. 24.
"For the third time in less than seven days, we have had to report on violence against a trans person of color in our community. I cannot begin to express the outrage and sadness that we are experiencing," said Yvonne Siferd, director of victim services at Equality Michigan. "I am so grateful, that through this grief, I have had the pleasure of talking with Ashton's mom about who he was, how he lived and how he loved. Out of respect for Rebecca, we ask that all inquiries be focused on Ashton's life, rather than on the gruesome details of his murder."
Equality Michigan learned of Ashton's murder this week in the wake of the murder of Amber Monroe. No news agencies had previously reported on Ashton attack.
