D.C. police are turning to the community for assistance in their investigation of a tragic murder that has garnered significant attention from local activists and organizations.
The case concerns the death of Daquane ‘Dream’ Johnson, a 28-year-old transgender woman who was shot at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, in the 2000 block of Benning Road, N.E.
In their official announcements, police have not identified Johnson as transgender, nor is the shooting being labeled as a potential hate crime at this stage in the investigation.
Instead, local advocates and family members are stepping forward, emphasizing that Johnson’s identity as a transgender woman is critical to understanding the motivations behind her murder.
Vanna Terrell, Johnson’s aunt, states that witnesses have indicated the shooting may have been inspired by bias, with one bystander recounting how one of the alleged attackers used a derogatory term aimed at Johnson.
“It leads me to believe they recognized her as a transgender woman,” Terrell noted in her comments.
The shooting occurred shortly after midnight, as revealed by a D.C. police statement, which disclosed that officers responded to reports of an unconscious female and discovered Johnson suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Despite immediate medical intervention, she did not survive her injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival at a local hospital.
As part of their outreach efforts for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Johnson’s death, the police have issued a $25,000 reward.
Detective Natasha Kennedy of the D.C. police Homicide unit has been assigned to investigate the case.
The absence of hate crime designation, however, has raised eyebrows within the LGBTQ community and among its advocates, who seek justice for how Johnson’s identity and tragic end have been handled in the public discourse.
Earline Budd, a veteran activist for transgender rights, communicated that the police confirmed Johnson’s identity in discussions with her, emphasizing the need for the investigation to consider potential hate motives.
“I believe that the multiple shots fired indicate this wasn’t simply a random act of violence; it appears to be an overkill,” Budd stressed.
Tailoring responses from law enforcement, Officer Ebony Major reasserted in an email to the Washington Blade that current findings do not support the suggestion of bias or hate being present in the crime.
In the wake of this incident, a memorial gathering was organized to honor Johnson’s life, set for Saturday, July 12, at River Terrace Park, a location in proximity to the scene of the shooting.
This event is expected to draw significant participation from community members as they rally in solidarity, advocating for the rights and recognition of transgender individuals.
In a related development, political segments of D.C. are closely watching the upcoming special election for Ward 8, following the recent expulsion of council member Trayon White amid a significant corruption charge.
Although the four Democratic candidates in this race all claim to support LGBTQ issues, there is a divide in voter support among the constituents.
The special election was prompted following the unanimous decision by the D.C. Council to expel White, with his criminal trial currently set to begin in January 2026.
White’s political legacy includes a history of support for LGBTQ rights, but there is speculation that his indictment may alienate some of his supporters.
Political experts underscore the possibility that White could win the upcoming election despite potential discontent among constituents, as the split among candidates could play into his favor.
Sheila Bunn and Salim Adofo, two of the other main candidates, have both articulated firm commitments to LGBTQ-related initiatives and community advocacy.
Via their public statements, both candidates illustrated their dedication to uplifting LGBTQ rights and the pressing matters within the community regarding housing and economic equity.
Bunn, leveraging her extensive experience in public service, noted her efforts to advocate for LGBTQ rights throughout various government roles, detailing her efforts under previous administrations.
Adofo highlighted initiatives aimed at addressing disparities faced by LGBTQ individuals, emphasizing the importance of inclusive housing policies and supportive programs for marginalized communities.
Meanwhile, the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance of Washington D.C. (GLAA) has publicly rated the candidates based on their positions and past actions regarding LGBTQ issues, assigning scores reflective of their alignments.
Their ratings indicated a strong record of support for Bunn and Adofo while choosing not to rate White due to his recent removal from office.
The Capital Stonewall Democrats, a significant local LGBTQ political organization, opted not to endorse any candidate for this election, citing the complexities of the special election context.
As the community adjusts to the political landscape, LGBTQ activists like Phil Pannell have made their endorsements known, citing their belief in Adofo as the candidate most aligned with their values.
The D.C. Board of Elections began mailing ballots to Ward 8 registered voters, and early voting is set to begin ahead of the July 15 election date.
In another facet of the D.C. LGBTQ community, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington (GMCW) continues its longstanding tradition of amplifying voices through music and engagement.
With over 300 members and a legacy dating back to 1981, the chorus not only entertains but also provides a platform for LGBTQ youth through its GenOUT initiative.
The GenOUT program, designed for LGBTQ and allied youth aged 13-18, emphasizes connection and empowerment through song, fostering leadership skills and community understanding.
C. Paul Heins, the director of GenOUT, elaborates on how the program has blossomed since its inception, stating it serves as an essential space for young individuals to explore their identities and find their voices.
Ailsa Ostovitz, a youth member involved in GenOUT, reflected on her experiences in developing leadership qualities and emphasized the importance of shared understanding among queer youth.
The summer camp hosted by GenOUT aims to engage youth meaningfully, incorporating lessons about LGBTQ history alongside traditional choral training to cultivate both artistic skills and personal growth.
With programming focused on issues facing the community, students learn about media, career paths, and empowerment, equipping them with the tools needed to effect change.
Heins pointed out the significance of creating a supportive environment for artistic expression, noting the chorus allows for deeper connections and understanding among members.
Ostovitz acknowledged the emotional relief that comes with being in a space where all individuals share a common journey, stating it enables a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation.
The collaboration with media organizations also seeks to empower youth to engage with broader narratives and take ownership of their stories, reaffirming the chorus’s commitment to advocacy beyond music.
In sum, both the community response to Johnson’s murder and the ongoing political dynamics surrounding LGBTQ representation underscore the vibrant yet challenging atmosphere facing LGBTQ members in D.C.
From memorials to electoral politics and creative support systems, the collective push for justice and equity in the face of adversity remains strong within the D.C. community.
image source from：washingtonblade
