Darwin’s LGBTQIA+ and First Nations communities are grieving the death of a Tiwi Island sistergirl killed this week in an alleged domestic violence murder in Darwin.
Community leader and Tiwi matriarch Crystal Love Johnson (above) shared her grief after losing her daughter, who is not named for cultural reasons.
Aunty Crystal described her as “a kind person” and said she lost a part of herself after the 37-year-old’s death.
“We are living in a world that is all messed up,” Crystal Love said.
“She had a good life, she had family and friends who love her, our communities that love her, but it was just tragic because … sometimes some people have bigger dreams, she had those.”
Sistergirl is a term that describes gender-diverse First Nations people who have a female spirit.
Sunset vigil for sistergirl killed in Darwin
On Thursday (October 10), community mourned the 37-year-old at a sunset vigil on the Nightcliff Foreshore.
People gathered for “a moment of togetherness, to pay respect and to offer solidarity in shared grief”.
Darwin Pride said the community is “heartbroken to mourn the tragic loss of a beloved sistergirl”. They said the tragic killing “highlights the continuous violence faced by LGBTIQA+SB communities”.
“There is a dark cloud over our community today,” they wrote.
“No one deserves to feel unsafe in their own home. We must continue to fight for a world where everyone can live freely and authentically.”
View this post on Instagram
The NT Aids and Hepatitis Council (NTAHC) expressed its “profound sadness” over the sistergirl’s death.
The health organisation extended the “deepest condolences to all the sistergirls, brotherboys, and everyone who knew her”.
“Domestic violence affects all of us. Enough is enough,” it said.
“Let us hold each other close in this time of sorrow.”
The 37-year-old was allegedly stabbed by an uncle in the suburb of Malak on Monday evening.
Her alleged killer has appeared in court, charged with murder, being armed with an offensive weapon and breaching a domestic violence order.
View this post on Instagram
If you need someone to talk to, help is available from QLife on 1800 184 527 or online at QLife.org.au, Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.
For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagra
