Trans activist and artist Casey Hoke has died
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US trans activist, artist and public speaker Casey Hoke has died at just 21, according to a statement released by his family.
Casey was well known within the US transgender community for his pioneering efforts to combat oppression. He came out as transgender when in high school and since then has given a TEDx Talk about his experience.
He has also written extensively about his experiences and about some of the challenges and discrimination he has faced.
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Reports suggest he died on Wednesday 8 August at his home in Pomona, Los Angeles.
He had also set up his own website, called QueerArtHistory.com, which served as an educational resource for those interested in the role of LGBT+ people in art.
According to Los Angeles Blade, Casey’s brother, Ryan Benjamin Hoke, said the family was heartbroken and asked for privacy, but said they wanted to make sure “Casey’s friends and connections know.”
He later told the website that Casey had “lost his battle with mental illness,” however an inquest has not yet determined an official cause of death.
Casey was a third year student and scholar at California State Polytechnic University at the time of his death, where he was studying graphic design communications.
He had spoken openly about his experiences of coming out as transgender while still at school, and has been vocal about the transphobia he experienced from school staff. He previously revealed that his school principal had asked a security guard to monitor him while in the men’s bathroom at school.
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News of his death was posted on Casey’s official Twitter account yesterday, which was met with shock and sadness from friends and other members of the LGBT+ community.
One friend replied to the news by saying he “accomplished so much and made a difference in all of the lives he touched along the way.”
“Once you met Casey you were forever inspired by him,” they added.
