Murder of Julie Berman
Canadian transgender rights activist / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The murder of Canadian transgender rights activist Julie Berman (1967/68 – 22 December 2019) occurred in downtown Toronto.[1] Berman was found in a home with severe head injuries on 22 December 2019; she was brought to a hospital and pronounced dead.[2] Colin Harnack was charged with second-degree murder,[3][4] and he was convicted in December 2022.[5] The murder of Berman was cited as a prominent example of violence against trans people in Canada.[6][7]
Julie Berman | |
---|---|
Born | 1967 or 1968 |
Died | (aged 51) |
Nationality | Canadian |
Known for | Transgender advocacy |
Berman was a hairdresser,[8] prominent for trans-activism within the Toronto LGBTQ+ community,[9] who had volunteered with the Toronto-based LGBTQ+ charity The 519 for three decades.[10][11][12] Berman fought to raise awareness of anti-trans violence in Toronto and was involved with running Toronto's "Trans Day of Remembrance", which she had also spoken at.[9][13][14] Upon her death, Berman was hailed as a "lovely person who was committed to the political issues that are facing her community in Canada",[15] a "champion for trans rights".[16][17] Finance minister Bill Morneau, Toronto mayor John Tory, and Pride Toronto released statements mourning the death of Berman.[17][18] A vigil was held for her death in February 2020.[19]