Statement on Death of Aimee Stephens, Transgender Rights Hero

Aimee Stephens, plaintiff in R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes Inc. v. EEOC, has died.

Aimee Stephens brought the case that is currently pending at the U.S. Supreme Court that could affirm the right of transgender people to be protected from workplace discrimination. Regardless of the outcome of that case, Aimee is and will always be a hero. She stood up for herself when she was fired from her job simply because she was true to herself and in doing so also stood up for the humanity and dignity of transgender people all over the world.

Aimee is a member of the LGBT movement’s Moses generation – a generation of brave pioneers who stood up to the forces of injustice and helped lead our community toward the promised land of equity and fairness. It is heartbreaking that she will not get to witness the coming of that promised land for transgender people in this country, but her life will not be in vain. She will be always be remembered as a trailblazer for the generations to come.

Our thoughts are with Aimee’s wife, Donna Stephens, their loved ones and everyone that has been touched by this amazing woman’s life.