Brazil: Trans woman shot in face three times on a crowded high street

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a white background.

It has been reported that a transgender woman was murdered in Brazil last week with three shots to the face.

The 35-year-old woman known as Gull was killed on Wednesday in Rio Largo municipality, Alagoas province.

Police say two men approached the victim on a motorcycle down a high street and fired several shots before fleeing. Gull died at the scene of the incident.

Although there were several witnesses at the time, police have gathered no further useful information.

At least 216 LGBT people have been murdered in Brazil so far this year.

35% of victims were trans people, while 59% of those were gay, and 4% were lesbians.

Earlier this month an 18 year old gay Brazilian was found murdered with a broken neck – an attack that is being investigated as a hate crime.

Rights activist Carlos Tufvesson told O Globo that the murders should be treated as hate crimes, as racist murders are.

Presidential candidate Levy Fidelix said that gay people “need psychological care” at a live television debate last Sunday.

Brazil recently voted in favour of a UN resolution which condemns violence and discrimination against LGBT people.

This month GGB also launched a website listing political candidates who support gay rights.

The investigation continues.