Londyn Kiki Chanel, a 21-year-old transgender woman, was killed earlier this month in North Philadelphia, and friends are remembering her for her vibrant and positive personality.
A community memorial was held Wednesday night for Chanel at William Way LGBT Community Center.
Chanel was stabbed several times inside an abandoned home in the 2220 block of Ingersoll Street, allegedy by 31-year-old Raheam Felton.
According to police, Chanel and Felton knew one another and were living inside the abandoned home with two other transgender women. The stabbing is believed to have arisen from a domestic dispute.
Felton was charged with murder and possessing instrument of crime after he confessed, according to police. He faces a preliminary hearing next week.
PGN spoke with a close friend of Chanel who recalled the victim as an outgoing people person.
Brandi Mallin, a 23-year-old transgender woman, moved to Philadelphia from Lancaster to find a more accepting community. On her first day in town, she met Chanel at a small party.
“I saw a lot of people laughing and dancing and just being happy, and there was Londyn just having a great time,” Mallin said. “I walked up to her and introduced myself and told her how beautiful she was, and she told me I was as well. We have been inseparable ever since.”
Mallin said Chanel was upbeat no matter the situation and took it upon herself to see that other people were happy.
“It was a problem for her if you were not happy,” Mallin said. “No matter what, she would make sure there was a smile on your face.”
Mallin said Chanel loved to dance, listen to music, write poetry and sometimes rap.
“In all seriousness, Londyn loved to twerk,” Mallin laughed. “I was just going through some of the videos on my phone and she was twerking in all of them. I will remember to the day I die her trademark quote: ‘Let’s twerk something today.’”
Mallin said Chanel had a big heart and was always helping people however she could, including fighting for trans equality. Chanel attended the Philly Trans* March last year.
Mallin said Chanel encouraged her to seek housing at Morris Home, a shelter for trans individuals.
“I got in almost a month ago now,” Mallin said. “She felt that I was supposed to be here, that this was the right place for me.”