Dear One Colorado Community,
Today, we at One Colorado mourn the death of Patti Wilson, a transgender woman whose life mattered and whose dignity deserves to be respected in death just as it should have been in life.
Our hearts are with Patti's loved ones, friends, and the Grand Junction LGBTQIA+ community as they grieve this profound loss. Her life was cut short by a police shooting near Grand Junction last month.
As the Critical Incident Response Team investigation continues, we urge a full, independent, and transparent review of the circumstances surrounding Patti's death. Every Coloradan deserves accountability, transparency, and equal protection under the law.
We also call on members of the public, the media, and public officials to respect Patti's identity by using her correct name and pronouns. Transgender people deserve the same dignity and respect afforded to every person, including after their death. Misgendering or erasing someone's identity only deepens the pain experienced by loved ones and our community.
In moments like these, harmful stereotypes often resurface. Let us be clear: transgender people are not inherently violent, dangerous, or a threat to others. These false narratives have fueled discrimination, harassment, and violence against transgender people for far too long. Transgender Coloradans deserve to live openly and authentically without fear of being dehumanized, targeted, or harmed because of who they are.
Research consistently shows that transgender people experience disproportionately high rates of violence, discrimination, and harmful interactions with law enforcement. This reality demands compassion, accountability, and a commitment to ensuring every person is treated with dignity and humanity.
One Colorado remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting transgender Coloradans, advocating for their safety and dignity, and building a Colorado where every LGBTQIA+ person can live free from fear, discrimination, and violence.
We honor Patti Wilson's life by continuing the work to create that future.
