Thank you for posting this. We spoke about Duanna Johnson at the Prop 8 rally in Nashville today and some people held signs commemorating her.

Dear Chris,

It's really heartening to know that Duanna Johnson was visibly remembered and honored at the Prop 8 event today. Thanks for sharing that.

Best,

Jessica

I just checked The Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition's webpage for donating, and they have already raised far more for Duanna's funeral than they had hoped to raise.

177 people have contributed - I'm glad so many people care.

Here's a link to a column in the Memphis paper on Duanna Johnson. I think most of us will be surprised that it was written for a Southern newspaper. Wendi Thomas' writing consistently amazes me:

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/nov/16/essence-of-person-can-belie-03/

From the vigil for Duanna Johnson with links to photos: http://grand-divisions.blogspot.com/2008/11/memphis-mourns-duanna-johnson.html

Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition

For Immediate Release: Dated November 15, 2008

A Very Special Thank You

Yesterday afternoon, the Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition issued a special appeal on behalf of the family of Duanna Johnson to help them cover funeral expenses.

In only four hours, nearly two hundred people responded by opening their hearts and their wallets. You donated over $5300 to the fund. We are still counting the final figures, but not only will this cover the costs of the funeral, but all of the remaining money is being given directly to the family to use as they see fit.

We realize your donations will not ease the pain of Duanna's tragic loss to her family, but you have sent a message to the world that the lives of transgender people matter, and that we appreciate Duanna's fight for respect.

Words cannot begin to express the heartfelt gratitude of all the members of TTPC who are touched by your incredble generosity.

The link to the Duanna Johnson Funeral Fund on our website is closed now, but if you still wish to make donations, either to Duanna's family, or to assist TTPC in the work we do to provide a voice for Tennessee's transgender community, you can still do so through our regular donation page. We will honor all requests to use the money as you designate.

We pledge to continue Duanna's fight with the same dignity that she showed.

Thank you.

Rest in Peace Duanna.

Marisa Richmond
President

The Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition (TTPC) is an organization designed to educate and advocate on behalf of transgender related legislation at the Federal, State and local levels. TTPC is dedicated to raising public awareness and building alliances with other organizations concerned with equal rights legislation.

For more information, or to make a donation, contact:

Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition
P.O. Box 92335
Nashville, TN 37209
http://ttgpac.com
TTGPAC@aol.com
(615)293-6199
(615)353-1834 fax

New York Times piece on Duanna Johnson:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/18/us/18memphis.html?_r=1&ref=us