Black Transgender woman Sophie Lee shot and killed in Baltimore

BALTIMORE — A Black transgender woman, identified by advocates as Sophie Lee, was shot and killed early Friday, Sept. 11 in Baltimore’s Barclay neighborhood, WBALTV reported. Police said officers found Lee, 27, in the 2400 block of North Calvert Street around 1:15 a.m. after responding to reports of gunfire. She died at the scene.

Baltimore Safe Haven confirmed her identity to WBAL‑TV and said Lee was widely known in the city’s LGBTQ+ community. The group described her as “a person… loved… who] mattered,” emphasizing that she deserved safety and the chance to live freely.

Safe Haven also launched a GoFundMe to help cover burial costs and support Lee’s family.

Advocates Say Sophie Lee Was A Leader in Baltimore’s Ballroom Community

Lee was raised in Baltimore and held deep ties to the city’s ballroom scene, Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents reported. She was regarded as

• a ballroom mother
• a mentor and guide within a community built on performance chosen family and LGBTQ+ cultural tradition

Ballroom communities have long offered support, belonging and leadership opportunities for Black and transgender people. Lee’s presence, friends said, helped shape that space for many.

Advocates said her death comes during a devastating year for transgender women nationwide. Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents reports that Lee is the 23rd trans woman killed in 2026 and notes that 13 of those victims were Black trans women.

Investigation

Baltimore homicide detectives are investigating the killing. As of this report, police had not announced an arrest or identified a suspect. Officials also said they have not determined whether Lee’s transgender identity played any role in the shooting.

Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact the Baltimore Police Department’s homicide unit at 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7Lockup.