Submitted to us by Tonye Barreto-Neto of TOPS. He invites inquiries to TOPS at (813)752-9226 or tbhawk@aol.com. Most of the information is from an article in The St. Petesburg Times, as quoted by Mr. Barreto-Neto.

In the early morning of Valentines Day, Tasha "Ronald" Dunn, 42, who had a history as a sex worker, was found dead in a vacant lot in Sulphur Springs (Tampa). According to the St. Petersburg Times, Dunn was found clothed but without shoes, and the police believed she died from a blunt force to the upper body. The paper further states that Dunn had no fixed address and that court records show that she had many arrests, often for prostitution or drug charges.

On Sunday, February 22, a demonstration organized by Transgender Officers Protect/Serve (TOPS) was held at Tampa City Hall Plaza to call attention to Dunn's death, and to protest violence aimed at people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Two members of TOPS at the demonstration were quoted by the St. Petersburg Times: Denice Brogan, secretary of TOPS, said, "I would like to raise awareness of the fact that transgender people are frequently targets of violence." Referring to Tasha Dunn, Tonye Barreto-Neto said, "I've met her one thousand times in the reflections of my community and when I look in the mirror."

Also at the demonstration to show his support was Tampa Police Detective Jerry Clark, who said, "Obviously, we share the same goal: to find the killer." He would not comment to the St. Petersburg Times about whether there is evidence that Dunn was killed for being gay. He said, "We have no idea what the motive is for this crime."

In a press release concerning the killing of Tasha Dunn, TOPS points out that the transgendered are often targets of violence. They note a GenderPac survey "that nearly 60% of TG people have been victims of criminal violence." The release concludes by quoting Mr. Barreto-Neto: "Violence against the transgender is horrific, yet it continues to be ignored or underplayed by the police, the news reporting agencies, the American government and the public at large. It is time to take a stand."

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