On Friday, July 19, 2024, Monique Brooks, also known as Jade-Monique Thomas, a 49-year-old Black trans woman, was found shot in a car parked in the 8200 block of South Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando, Florida, near The Florida Mall. The incident occurred around 3:50 a.m. when Orange County deputies responded to reports of gunshot fire. Monique was alive when found and was transported to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Monique was born in Winter Park, Florida, and later relocated to Maitland, Florida. She was a digital creator and highly regarded as a hair stylist among her friends. Her family and friends described her as fun-loving, brilliant, and smart. Monique was active in her community, particularly with Divas in Dialogue, a sisterhood for trans women of color that aimed to empower, build, and strengthen one another. She was also known for her involvement in various social causes, including devoting her birthday each year to different causes such as the National LGBTQ Task Force.
Monique's death has been met with an outpouring of support from her community, with friends and family sharing numerous photos and memories of her outings and adventures, including a recent Zumba class. Divas in Dialogue has been taking care of her homecoming expenses, and the community is coming together to ensure she receives a proper farewell.
As of the current date, there is little information available about the circumstances leading to the shooting. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an ongoing investigation, and anyone with information is encouraged to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477) or leave a tip online.
Monique's death is part of a disturbing trend of violence against trans individuals in 2024, with her being the 28th trans person reported dead that year, the 19th trans woman, the 9th Black trans woman, and the 15th trans woman of color. Her case highlights the ongoing challenges and dangers faced by the trans community, particularly in Florida, which has seen several violent incidents against trans individuals in recent years.
