CO LGBT History Project: Transsexual, Gay, Lesbian Defense Committee protest of the killing of Irene DeSoto and Tracy Levi in March 1978
Title
CO LGBT History Project: Transsexual, Gay, Lesbian Defense Committee protest of the killing of Irene DeSoto and Tracy Levi in March 1978
Date Created
March 1978
Subject
Activism, Protest, Transgender History, Irene De Soto, Tracy Levi
Description
This collection of photographs was taken by Pat Gourley who would later go on to become a prominent member in HIV/AIDS work in Denver. In 1977, Tracy Levi was killed at the hands of a Denver police officer, while Irene De Soto was killed a year later.
Both were people doing sex work in the area and were among a rash of violent clashes or suspicious deaths among the many minority communities of Denver. Each group responded with a separate protest. Missy and Monique, as explained in Pat Gourley's oral history, helped to organize the Transsexual, Gay, Lesbian Defense Committee to protest their killing of Irene and Tracy.
Gourley pointed out in the oral history that Missy (blonde hair in the photographs) and Monique (dark hair) risked a great deal going "in face" (that is presenting their gender as women). Though drag and cross-dressing were decriminalized with the work of the Gay Coalition of Denver in 1973, it was still dangerous, and Gourley noted they could still be harassed, arrested, or harmed. The march started at around 20th and Broadway where Tracy was killed, continued to near 13th and Pennsylvania near where Irene was killed, and ended with a rally at the Denver Police Head Quarters on 14th and Cherokee.
The rally consisted of many groups including lesbians, gay men, transgender people, Denver Socialists and Denver Feminists (each a political group). No one claimed Irene's body so she was given a pauper's grave after cremation, yet this protest represents the first of its kind in Colorado, representing a protest for the life of two black and brown people who did sex work, and who were likely transgender. This event represents stories of allyship from people outside the queer community, and unity within a community often at odds within long before a cohesive and inclusive identity was articulated.
It is likely the first protest of its kind in Colorado. (special connections to the Matt Kailey History Committee and thanks to Pat Gourley for use of the photographs).
Both were people doing sex work in the area and were among a rash of violent clashes or suspicious deaths among the many minority communities of Denver. Each group responded with a separate protest. Missy and Monique, as explained in Pat Gourley's oral history, helped to organize the Transsexual, Gay, Lesbian Defense Committee to protest their killing of Irene and Tracy.
Gourley pointed out in the oral history that Missy (blonde hair in the photographs) and Monique (dark hair) risked a great deal going "in face" (that is presenting their gender as women). Though drag and cross-dressing were decriminalized with the work of the Gay Coalition of Denver in 1973, it was still dangerous, and Gourley noted they could still be harassed, arrested, or harmed. The march started at around 20th and Broadway where Tracy was killed, continued to near 13th and Pennsylvania near where Irene was killed, and ended with a rally at the Denver Police Head Quarters on 14th and Cherokee.
The rally consisted of many groups including lesbians, gay men, transgender people, Denver Socialists and Denver Feminists (each a political group). No one claimed Irene's body so she was given a pauper's grave after cremation, yet this protest represents the first of its kind in Colorado, representing a protest for the life of two black and brown people who did sex work, and who were likely transgender. This event represents stories of allyship from people outside the queer community, and unity within a community often at odds within long before a cohesive and inclusive identity was articulated.
It is likely the first protest of its kind in Colorado. (special connections to the Matt Kailey History Committee and thanks to Pat Gourley for use of the photographs).
Creator
Pat Gourley
Contributor
David Duffield, creator and coordinator of the Colorado LGBTQ History Project for the Center on Colfax
Date
March 1978
Provenance
Pat Gourley via his oral history with David Duffield, physical location of photographs are at Denver Public Library in the Pat Gourley collection.
Collection Items
Tim Offet Desoto March Spring 1978
This is a picture of the protest of the murders of Irene De Soto and Tracy Levi at the hands of Denver Police between 1977 - 1978, organized by the Transsexual, Gay, Lesbian Defense Coalition.
Police Van Watching March (13th and Sherman)
The second photo of a Denver police van, identified by Pat Gourley, the photographer of the protest.
Monique At De Soto March Spring 1978
This is a picture of Monique speaking at the Transsexual, Gay, Lesbian Defense Committee protest of the killing of Irene De Soto. The location is the Denver Police HQ plaza facing 14th and Cherokee streets. Monique is in the center. Missy is…
MoniqueAtDeSotoMarchSpring1978(1)
The photograph is taken early in the march (likely near 20th and Broadway). In the foreground, man with back turned to camera, has flyers "The Killing Must Stop" speaking with Monique, Missy is center left.
Monique And Missy Together - Transsexual, Gay, Lesbian Defense Committee Protest of Irene Desoto and Tracy Levi killing.
This is an emblematic photograph of the protest of the killing of Irene De Soto and Tracy Levi. In the foreground left a man with a sign "Fight Back", while Monique (left, dark hair) and Missy (right, blonde hair), walking and talking center. This…
