Yella Clark, a Black transgender person, was killed in Louisiana State Penitentiary. Their trans identity was only recently reported. The Human Rights Campaign used they/them pronouns due to unclear information.
Clark faced misgendering, had gender dysphoria, and took female hormones. They died following a fight with inmates. The Louisiana Department of Corrections is investigating, potential criminal charges may follow.
Clark was sentenced to life in prison for second-degree murder, appealing on grounds of self-defense against rape by the deceased inmate. Despite the appeal, the conviction was affirmed by the Louisiana Court of Appeal.
Terrance Winn, a former inmate with Clark and criminal justice reform activist, highlighted the increased danger faced by trans individuals in prison due to their identity. Clark had previously been sexually assaulted.
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