The murder of Canadian transgender rights activist Julie Berman (1968 – 22 December 2019) occurred in downtown Toronto.[1] Berman was found in a home with severe head injuries on 22 December 2019; she was brought to a hospital and pronounced dead.[2] Colin Harnack was charged with second-degree murder,[3][4] and he was convicted in December 2022.[5] The murder of Berman was cited as a prominent example of violence against trans people in Canada.[6][7]
Julie Berman | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1967 or 1968 |
| Died | (aged 51) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Known for | Transgender advocacy |
Berman was a hairdresser,[8] prominent for trans-activism within the Toronto LGBTQ+ community,[9] who had volunteered with the Toronto-based LGBTQ+ charity The 519 for three decades.[10][11][12] Berman fought to raise awareness of anti-trans violence in Toronto and was involved with running Toronto's "Trans Day of Remembrance", which she had also spoken at.[9][13][14] Upon her death, Berman was hailed as a "lovely person who was committed to the political issues that are facing her community in Canada",[15] a "champion for trans rights".[16][17] Finance minister Bill Morneau, Toronto mayor John Tory, and Pride Toronto released statements mourning the death of Berman.[17][18] A vigil was held for her death in February 2020.[19]
References
edit- ^ "'A beautiful person': Toronto trans activist Julie Berman identified as homicide victim". CBC News. December 27, 2019. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
- ^ DeClerq, Katherine (December 27, 2019). "LGBTQ+ community remembers slain woman as beautiful 'externally and internally'". CTV News. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
- ^ "Man facing 2nd-degree murder charge in Annex assault". CityNews. December 22, 2019. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
- ^ Boucher, Ashley (December 27, 2019). "Trans Activist Who Fought for LGBTQ Acceptance Is Killed in Toronto, Man Is Charged with Her Murder". People. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
- ^ Gallant, Jacques (19 December 2022). "Jury finds man guilty of second-degree murder in killing of Toronto trans advocate Julie Berman". Toronto Star. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
- ^ Artavia, David (2020-02-20). "Anti-LGBTQ attacks have not stopped as we enter a new decade". Advocate. Retrieved 2020-03-01.
- ^ D'Amore, Rachael (February 17, 2020). "She spent 4 years in a men's prison — how Canada often ignores complexities in trans violence". Global News. Retrieved 2020-03-01.
- ^ Palmer, Victoria Glencross (Jan 14, 2020). "Remembering Julie Berman". Daily Xtra.
- ^ a b Sturla, Anna (December 28, 2019). "Trans activist killed in Toronto, two years after speaking out against anti-trans violence". CNN. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
- ^ Broverman, Neal (December 27, 2019). "Trans Activist Julie Berman Murdered in Toronto". The Advocate. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
- ^ Vella, Lauren (December 27, 2019). "Trans activist Julie Berman killed in Toronto". The Hill. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
- ^ Milton, Josh (December 27, 2019). "Trans activist who tirelessly campaigned against transphobia found murdered in Canada". PinkNews. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
- ^ Lemieux, Melissa (December 27, 2019). "Trans activist known for speaking out against transphobic murders assaulted and killed". Newsweek. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
- ^ Assunção, Muri (December 27, 2019). "Beloved transgender activist who raised awareness about transphobia killed in Toronto". New York Daily News. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
- ^ Alhmidi, Maan (December 26, 2019). "Activist who raised awareness about transphobia murdered in Toronto". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
- ^ Juarez, Sierra (December 27, 2019). "Trans-rights activist Julie Berman murdered in Toronto". The Daily Dot. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
- ^ a b Ngabo, Gilbert; Mathieu, Emily (December 27, 2019). "Julie Berman remembered as a 'champion' for trans rights". Toronto Star. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
- ^ Macdonell, Beth (December 28, 2019). "Friends remember slain trans woman as 'outspoken' and 'beautiful'". CTV News. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
- ^ "Trans rights activist remembered at vigil". CityNews. February 3, 2020. Retrieved February 9, 2020.