Image courtesy of JanuaryLapuz.net
January Marie Lapuz was stabbed to death in September 2012 in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada.
Although the 26-year-old Lapuz was Filipina, she was the social coordinator for Sher Vancouver, a South Asian queer group. She was also the first transgender member of the organization. LGBT communities mourned her death, as she was considered one of the local "bright lights" who devoted herself to helping others, such as becoming involved in anti-bullying intiatives.
Her killer, Charles Jameson "Jamie" Mungo Neel pleaded guilty to manslaughter in June 2014 and, in October 2014, was sentenced to eight years in jail.
She has not been forgotten.
Kwantlen Polytechnique University students Lenee Son and Elina Gress are currently working on a documentary entitled January: We Matter about January's life. The film, produced by Sher Vancouver founder Alex Sangha and moderator Ash Brar, will also take a look at the numerous issues and challenges that trans women of colour face.
While the documentary will be released in 2016, here's the trailer for the forthcoming film that gives a peek at what the film is about.
News story from The Georgia Straight.
Watch the Trailer for January: We Matter here.