The community in Portland, Maine, is grieving the loss of Juju Nadeau, a 21-year-old transgender woman who was fatally stabbed on the evening of August 5th. The attack has sent a shockwave through the local LGBTQ+ community and highlights the persistent threat of violence faced by transgender individuals.
Nadeau was with friends, walking along the Back Cove Trail towards a favorite graffiti spot, when the group was allegedly confronted by a man on a bicycle. According to court documents, the man wielded a knife, chased the group, and fatally stabbed Nadeau in the chest. Police have identified the suspect as 58-year-old Glen Rodney.
Nadeau was transported to Maine Medical Center, where she later died from her injuries. In the initial reporting of the tragedy, several media outlets misgendered and deadnamed her, a painful and recurring issue when transgender people are victims of violent crime.
A Life of Joy and Connection
While the circumstances of her death are tragic, those who knew Juju Nadeau are focusing on celebrating the vibrant life she lived. Her partner of two years, Kasper DeWitt, described her as a deeply loving person who had a unique talent for making the world a better place for those around her.
Nadeau was an enthusiastic urban explorer and an active member of the furry community, where she and DeWitt had bonded. They often attended conventions together, where Nadeau was known for her social energy and ability to make friends wherever she went.
Her family released a statement describing her as “kind, compassionate, vibrant” and “spirited,” a young woman who had “a whole life ahead of her.”
A Future Lost, A Memory to Uphold
The loss is made even more poignant by the future that was taken from her. DeWitt shared that they had been planning to propose to Nadeau at the Anthrocon convention next year. Now, instead of planning a wedding, her loved ones are finding ways to honor her memory.
A GoFundMe was organized to help ease the financial burden on her loved ones. In remembering her, DeWitt said they plan to hold a large party in her honor, reflecting her love for celebration and community. “She was a massive party girl,” DeWitt told the publication Them. “I know that she would have wanted me to throw literally the biggest party I've ever thrown ever for her—and that's my plan.”
