THE TRANS OBITUARIES PROJECT
MUHLAYSIA “LAY” BOOKER
JANUARY 14, 1997—MAY 18, 2019
DALLAS, TX
When all eyes were on her, Muhlaysia proved to be a fearless “ball of energy.” With dreams of becoming a broadcast journalist, she regaled her many Facebook followers with “Story Time,” her own report of the world around her. Just weeks before her passing, she gained a national platform after being assaulted, and fiercely spoke out at a rally to bring attention to the epidemic of violence plaguing trans women of color. In honor of her legacy, her mother, Stephanie Houston, founded the Muhlaysia Booker Foundation.Visit muhlaysiabookerfoundation.org.
DANA MARTIN
FEBRUARY 6, 1987—JANUARY 6, 2019
HOPE HULL, AL
A quiet storm of a woman, Dana was simultaneously “very private, sweet” and a “people person.” With her thick country accent, she exhibited Southern hospitality to anyone she encountered. Dana’s friend, Demarcus Simmons, vividly remembers her as cool and laid-back. His favorite memory is riding around town in Dana’s gold Nissan Maxima, blasting music. A hard worker, Dana’s jobs at a local casino and, later, a Family Dollar put her in regular contact with community. She was beloved by all.
LAYLEEN CUBILETTE-POLANCO
OCTOBER 4, 1991—JUNE 7, 2019
YONKERS, NY
Layleen, in short, was a character. Known to light up a
