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Thank You, Aimee

Photo of Aimee Stephens on black gradient
Aimee Stephens on black gradient
Aimee Stephens died before the Supreme Court issued a decision on her case, but the fight for trans rights continues in her honor.
ACLU
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May 13, 2020
Aimee Stephens died before the Supreme Court issued a decision on her case, but the fight for trans rights continues in her honor.

Aimee Stephens, a trailblazer in trans rights, passed away in her home this week at the age of 59.

Together, we sued for discrimination after Aimee was fired from her job for being transgender. When Aimee decided to fight back, she just wanted it to be acknowledged that what happened to her was wrong. She ended up making history by bringing the Supreme Court its first trans civil rights case. Aimee died before the Court issued a decision on her case, but the fight for trans rights continues in her honor.

With heavy hearts, we share that Aimee Stephens, our client and dear friend, whose landmark case is the first about the civil rights of transgender people to be heard by the Supreme Court, died today at home in Metro Detroit with her wife, Donna Stephens, at her side. She was 59.
Aimee thank you for carrying us on you journey. We will take it from here. Rest now, we won't let you Down. #rip
Like many trans folks, Aimee Stephens gave a huge piece of her life to a fight she probably knew would outlast her. She became the face of a legal battle, probably knowing it would be more about the folks who came after her. And that's beautiful but it also just hurts so much.
I am heartbroken. We owe so much to Aimee Stephens for her refusal to be silenced. To the end of her life, she fought for the rights of ALL people to live in our authenticity, not just those who are trans and non-binary. We have lost a hero for humanity.
Devastating news. Aimee did not ask to play such a central role in the fight for your rights and mine, but she did so with great dignity and humility. I'm so thankful for her example of the strength and courage trans people are capable of.
Aimee Stephens, the trans woman whose landmark case was the first one focusing on the civil rights of transgender people to be heard by the Supreme Court, has died today at her home in Detroit.
Aimee Stephens fought to live her life with authenticity so that those who came after her wouldn’t have to fight. I am honored to have known her and will never stop demanding the justice that Aimee and all trans people deserve. My heart goes out to her family, friends & @ACLULGBT
Aimee Stephens was a brave trans woman who just wanted to do the job she loved. She passed before SCOTUS ruled on her history-making case. May her memory and legacy be used for good.
I find my heart breaking often these days.
RIP Aimee Stephens. If you have not read the letter she gave to her employer, kicking off the years of litigation that will soon culminate in a Supreme Court ruling, it's worth your time.
Aimee Stephens was fired for being transgender. Her case is at the Supreme Court & is the Court's first trans civil rights case. She passed today before she could see justice, but her fight is our fight & it doesn't end today - we will keep fighting. For her. For all of us.
The LGBTQ community owes Aimee Stephens our deepest gratitude for her bravery in standing up for the right of LGBTQ people to live as ourselves. We share our condolences with all of her friends & family, and especially her wife, Donna Stephens.
Dear Aimee, Thank you for your courage and strength. You deserved so much more than this unjust system of legal oppression and utter disrespect to your personhood. Your bravery has touched so many, and will continue to inspire others to seek justice. May you finally find peace.
Aimee Stephens has died. Justice delayed is justice denied. Rest in peace, Aimee.
I took this picture of Aimee Stephens at the Supreme Court in October. She died while a decision in her case is still pending. May she rest in peace.
Mourning for Aimee Stephens, a fighter for justice, today. Rest in power, Aimee.
RIP Aimee Stephens.
I am deeply saddened by Aimee’s passing and my heart goes out to her family and friends. Aimee’s courage in pursuing justice for herself and for transgender people all across the country is inspiring and she will be remembered as a civil rights pioneer.
“Somebody’s gotta do it" -- Aimee Stephens, after bringing the first transgender rights case to SCOTUS. Thank you for being the one to do it. We will continue your fight with your words and actions in our hearts.

Aimee Stephens never set out to be a hero, but she is one, and she continues to be an inspiration to millions around the world. We all owe her a debt of gratitude for her commitment to justice for all people, and her dedication to the trans community.

Photo of Aimee Stephens
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