2026 List of Trans Deaths Now Includes Leia Trysiss Ali, a Fa’afafine from America Samoa – Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents

2026 List of Trans Deaths Now Includes Leia Trysiss Ali, a Fa’afafine from America Samoa – Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents

Her name was Leia Trysiss Ali. She was 35 years old when reports of her suspicious death came to light in Las Vegas, Nevada. Little is know and/or confirmed of the circumstances of death. Honoring Leia Leia was born and raised in American Samoa, she was of of Fijian/Indian descent. She graduated from Leone High School. Leia described herself as a “Pacific Islander. self-love Enthusiast. Showgirl” on her social media accounts. Her friend shared this on Instagram “Our elective classes were pretty chill, so I would hang out with her and watch her do backflips and splits for the goddess.“ She was identified as Fa’afafine. On the island of Samoa, there are four recognized cultural genders: female, male, fa’afafine, and fa’afatama. Fa’afafine and fa’afatama are fluid gender roles that move between male and female worlds. Members of these third and fourth gendered individuals take on responsibility for the taupou, or ceremonial hostess typically selected by the high chief in the village, is charged with representing and entertaining visitors. Traditionally, the taupou’s dignity and grace expressed the ideals of appropriate female behavior.The taupou is often part of ballroom and pageant culture. Leia was part of the Society Of Fa’afafine In American Samoa (S.O.F.I.A.S.) They first reported her death in late May. In 2008, Leia was named ‘Miss SOFIA’ one of the youngest to ever win. She was part of a group of young Fa’afafine who performed as the ‘Power Puff Girls.’ In 2009, she traveled with her group to Las Vegas where she was first runner up in the Miss Las Vegas International Island Goddess pageant. She remained in Vegas for the rest of her life. The SOFIA’s said this of Leia “To those who knew her well Leia was a loving, giving and kind human being. To the admirer she was a sight of beauty and dreams. For many of us, she will be remembered as our beautiful queen in a organization which will forever immortalize her name.” Context As I cannot confirm Leia died from violence, I am revising my entire summation to include the three unconfirmed deaths.  I laid out earlier why I think many deaths go unreported this year. Leia is the 17th trans person whose death I have documented this year, 2026. She is the tenth trans person of color, the tenth trans woman, the ninth trans woman of color and the first Pasifika or Pacific Islander on our list. She is also the first Fa’afafine. We are told that Leia was of Indian descent in part, making her the first South Asian person on this list as well. It is important to note that Fa’afafine identity is not exactly the same as transgender identity. Fa’afafine has distinct cultural ties to Samoann and Pasifika identities, it is not rooted in a binary construct. For these purposes in which trans identity is an umbrella term, we both include and distinguish Leia. For more information, please visit the Society of Fa’afafine in American Samoa. I share this context because we need to understand the different ways anti-trans violence manifests. There’s an intersection between racial justice and trans identity, as well as intersections between trans identity and violence. There is also class/economic intersections, health intersections, age, education, location, housing stability, and more. Earlier this year, we reported on the death of Daniella Analee Escobedo. In 2024, we reported on Sasha Williams. We must not lose sight of those whose deaths are not confirmed – in this case Daniella and Leia, but also an unknown person. No one should go anonymously into death. Each of these lives was precious and part of our community tapestry. Rest in power, Leia Trysiss. You changed the world by embracing your true existence. You were dearly loved and will be most missed by your friends. I hope we learn more about the cause of your death to ensure justice if that is possible. But we honor your life here and will remember you forever. Rest in power. Deaths reported in 2026 These individuals are part of the trans community including transgender, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, and gender creative folx. Please do not share this content without attribution. Thank you Shyyell Diamond Sanchez-Mccray – Petersburg, Virginia. March 13, 2026. Age 42. Davonta Curtis – Chicago, Illinois. April 5, 2026. Age 32. Dannielle Spillman – San Francisco, California. April 16, 2026. Age 74. Aleanna Royal Belcher – Binghamton, New York. April 17, 2026. Age 31. Lucas Redbeard Knapp – Candy Kitchen, Cibola County, New Mexico, April 18, 2026. Age 39. Hailey Singleton – Dunnellton, Florida, May 5, 2026. Age 29. Lanessa Rodriguez – Ft Pierce, Florida, April 28, 2026. Age 35. Jade Roberts – Houston, Texas, January 2, 2026. Age 25. Paris Harris – Dallas, Texas, April 17, 2026. Age 21. Eryka Caldwell – New York, New York, May 17, 2026. Age 41. Nathaniel Potts – Eldorado, Illinois, May 20, 2026. Age 16. Persia Amarra Conway – Houston, Texas. Date unconfirmed. Found on May 26, 2026. Age 33. Juniper Blessing – Seattle, Washington. May 8, 2026. Age 19. Marlow Trottie – Alexandria, Louisiana. June 8, 2026. Age 35. Other Deaths We are following these cases, but cannot confirm the details right now. Daniella Analee Escobedo – Las Vegas, Nevada (unconfirmed), April 12, 2026. Age 34. Name Unknown – Charlotte, North Carolina. Found on May 21, 2026. Date of death unknown. Age unknown. Leia Trysiss Ali – Las Vegas, Nevada. May 24, 2026. Age 35.