On December 31, 1993, transgender man Brandon Teena was brutally murdered in Humboldt, Nebraska, a crime that would become a turning point in the fight against hate crimes in the United States. Brandon, who had previously reported an assault and rape by his murderers, John Lotter and Marvin Nissen, faced a tragic end that sparked widespread outrage and led to significant legislative changes regarding hate crimes.
Born on December 12, 1972, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Brandon identified as male from a young age. He lived with his mother after spending his early childhood with his grandmother. As an adolescent, he began publicly presenting as male, and by the age of 18, he was dating women. Brandon sought counseling for sexual abuse he experienced as a child, highlighting the struggles he faced throughout his formative years.
In 1992, a psychiatric evaluation indicated that Brandon was experiencing a “sexual identity crisis.” He sought help at the Lancaster Crisis Centre amid concerns about suicidal thoughts. By 1993, he moved to the Falls City Region of Richardson County, Nebraska, where he lived with Lisa Lambert and began a relationship with her friend, Lana Tisdel. It was during this time that he encountered Lotter and Nissen, the men who would ultimately take his life.
Tragically, on December 19, 1993, Brandon was arrested for forging checks. Due to a lack of awareness regarding his gender identity, he was placed in the female section of the jail, which ultimately led to his being outed. Following a Christmas Eve party, Lotter and Nissen assaulted and raped Brandon. Despite his harrowing experience, Brandon was encouraged by Tisdel to report the crime to the police. Unfortunately, the rape kit collected at the emergency room was lost, and the police response, led by Sheriff Charles Laux, failed to adequately address Brandon’s safety needs.
Despite being questioned three days later, Lotter and Nissen were not arrested, leaving Brandon vulnerable. Around 1 a.m. on December 31, they broke into Lambert’s home, where they shot Brandon, Lambert, and Phillip DeVine, who was dating Tisdel’s sister. The only witness to the murders was Lambert’s young child, who fortunately was unharmed.
The aftermath of the murders led to Lotter receiving the death penalty, while Nissen was sentenced to life in prison. Nissen later recanted his testimony, claiming he was the one responsible for the killings. As of July 2022, the Nebraska Supreme Court denied an appeal from Lotter, who argued that a 2015 bill aiming to abolish the death penalty should have commuted his sentence to life imprisonment. The court ruled that his concerns were not raised within the necessary five-year limit.
Brandon Teena’s story gained international attention through the critically acclaimed film Boys Don’t Cry, which depicted his life and tragic death. Additionally, his legacy is remembered in the song “Girl’s Don’t Cry” by the Pet Shop Boys, illustrating the lasting impact of his story on popular culture.
Today, Brandon’s life and death serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for transgender rights and the importance of addressing hate crimes. Organizations such as QLife and Lifeline continue to provide support for those affected by similar issues, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and protection of vulnerable communities. For those in crisis, support is available through various services, including QLife at 1800 184 527 and Lifeline at 13 11 14.
Brandon Teena’s story remains a powerful testament to the fight against violence and discrimination, highlighting the urgent need for societal change and legislative action.
