Before her devastating death last month, 31-year-old Chyna Gibson was a budding star with a promising future. According to the Sacramento Bee, Chyna was visiting New Orleans to see family and appear at a performance for the Mardi Gras festivities. She was well-known dancer who performed under the name “Chyna Doll Dupree” and had toured several cities across the country, performing at drag shows and LGBT events.
Adam Hicks, a longtime friend of Gibson who lives in Houston where he had last seen her, described her work as upbeat and cheerful. “She was just really happy and she was having a good time,” he said. The two met in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina when Gibson moved from New Orleans to Houston. She had moved to Sacramento roughly four years ago to live with her adoptive mother where she had become a local fixture.
This week we celebrate Chyna’s life and sheer talent in honor the National Day Of Action For Trans Women of Color. We must rise with urgency and conviction to support the resistance led by those most on the margins and protect trans women and femmes of color by any means necessary. Participating in this day of action is just one step toward living this value. Click here to sign up for an action or find information about an action in your area.
