Group to protest transgender woman's murder in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Dozens of people dressed in red are expected to descend on San Francisco City Hall on Tuesday to hold a die-in. They are protesting the murder of a transgender woman earlier this month.

On the steps outside a Bayview apartment is where Taja DeJesus lost her life. On Monday, a priest offered prayers for the 36-year-old transgender woman who was stabbed to death last week.

"Taja was a really beautiful soul," said Danielle Castro.

Castro says the victim was like a sister to her. She and other friends say the person who killed DeJesus then committed suicide, but San Francisco police are not confirming that. Authorities will only say that the suspect is no longer a threat to anyone.

"No one should be worried about the person who committed the murder going out and committing other crimes," said Officer Grace Gatpandan.

"There's a lot of unanswered questions," Castro said. "But the one thing I know is that I'm not going to take it anymore. It's time for us to stand up together."

The transgender community has become more visible and more vocal on social issues. On Tuesday they'll rally at city hall for what's called Trans Liberation Tuesday, asking for an end to the violence that's occurring even in progressive San Francisco.

The San Francisco LGBT Center is releasing a new survey that finds transgender people are up to seven times more likely to feel unsafe.

"And so, now that it's not just isolated within the community, people have a responsibility to take action," said Clair Farley with the SF LGBT Center.

Taja DeJesus is said to be the fourth known trans woman of color murdered nationwide since the year began. Activists say -- no more.