A tragic incident unfolded on Christmas Day at the Ross Correctional Institution in Chillicothe, Ohio, where a corrections officer lost his life during a horrifying inmate attack.
Officer Andrew Lansing, a beloved member of the correctional community, was remembered with heartfelt tributes from his grieving family and coworkers. Annette Chambers-Smith, the Director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction, confirmed the devastating news, expressing sorrow over the loss of a respected figure in the field. “Andrew Lansing was admired by all who knew him,” she shared, highlighting the impact of his dedication to his work.
Meanwhile, in Chicago, a significant step is being taken to address violence against transgender people, particularly trans women of color, who face disproportionate risks. Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the creation of a special advisory group to tackle these challenges. The group, formed in collaboration with the Chicago Commission on Human Relations and the Chicago Police Department, will begin work by February 28.
This advisory team will focus on reviewing city policies and training related to hate crimes and violence against trans women of color. They’ll also explore ways to ensure chosen family—close loved ones who may not be biologically related—can participate in investigations and legal processes when a trans person is killed.
Mayor Johnson emphasized the urgency of the issue, pointing out how trans women, especially Black trans women, continue to face alarming rates of violence. He stated, “We are committed to supporting our trans community and ensuring everyone in Chicago can live authentically and safely.”
The group will bring together representatives from multiple city departments, including the Police Department, Human Relations Commission, and Public Health Department. They’ll seek advice from transgender advocates, particularly those from minority groups, and coordinate efforts with county and state officials.
Over the next six months, the team will host three community meetings across the city—in the North, South, and West sides—to gather feedback from the trans community. By the end of the year, they plan to submit a detailed report with policy recommendations to help prevent violence against trans women and educate the public about the issue.
The initiative also includes a review of how these recommendations are implemented across city departments after one year. This comes as Chicago faces criticism for its poor track record in protecting trans individuals. Under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the city was labeled one of the deadliest places for Black trans women. Mayor Johnson acknowledged this grim reality and vowed to bring meaningful change.
Federal data reveals that transgender people are over twice as likely as cisgender individuals to become victims of violent crime. Black trans women, who make up just 13% of the trans population, account for nearly two-thirds of all trans homicide victims. However, most law enforcement agencies fail to track these crimes. Between 2010 and 2021, researchers recorded over 300 transgender people killed nationwide, but the national clearance rate for solving these cases is only around 50%. In Chicago, that number drops significantly, with just 14% of cases being resolved.
Since 2016, at least 14 trans and gender-nonconforming individuals have been killed in Chicago, mostly Black and Latinx trans women. These crimes often occurred in neighborhoods on the South and West sides, and charges were filed in only four cases.
Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa sees the new advisory group as a vital step forward. “This effort will help our city better understand and respond to the unique challenges faced by our transgender neighbors,” he said.
Both of these stories, though different, highlight the ongoing struggles faced by communities in need of support and the efforts being made to bring about meaningful change.