On Monday, January 18th, the body of Myra Ical was found on the 4300 block of Garrott St, near Richmond Ave, and close to the Montrose neighborhood of Houston. According to Houston Police Department reports, she was found to have several wounds and bruises consistent with a struggle with her attacker. It is believed the murder occurred in the field. At this time there is no known motive for this case. Myra was a transgender woman and the brutal attack on her is devastating to the community.

We are requesting all members of HRC join in solidarity with the Transgender community of Houston for a public memorial and candlelight vigil on Monday, January 25 at 6 pm to honor Myra Ical. The memorial will include two moments of silence, one for Ms. Ical and another for the other 6 transgender Houstonians who have been murdered and whose crimes remain unsolved, as well as a moment of noise-making to recognize that it is silence that allows the perpetrators of crime to go unpunished. The Memorial will be held at the site where Ms. Ical’s body was found.

If you are in Houston on Monday evening, the leadership of the Houston HRC steering committee asks that you please attend.

Anyone who might know anything about this crime or who might have witnessed it is urged to call Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for any information called in to the 713-222-8477 tips hotline or submitted online at www.crimestoppers.orgthat leads to the identification, arrest and/or charging of the any of the suspects in this case.

"Another milestone in the quest for LGBT equality was reached last night with the historic election of Annise Parker as Mayor of Houston. Annise is an incredibly qualified and gifted public servant, who focused her campaign on public safety, the economy and the future of Houston. She stood up to last minute anti-gay attacks with grace, courage and determination which carried the day. Houston, America’s fourth largest city, sent a positive message to the nation, that it chose the best person for the job based on her experience and qualifications, while at the same time breaking another glass ceiling. We congratulate Annise on her stunning victory, and we congratulate the Victory Fund for their tireless and successful work on her behalf."