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Trans Woman Referenced by Dave Chappelle Dies by Suicide

Dorman
Image via Facebook

Daphne Dorman, who Chappelle said was fine with his transgender jokes, was an actress, comedian, and software engineer.

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Up-and-coming transgender performer Daphne Dorman died by suicide Friday, the Office of Transgender Initiatives for the City & County of San Francisco confirmed to the New York Daily News.

Dorman was known by some as the transgender person comedian Dave Chappelle tested his trans-based jokes on, claiming she was "laughing the hardest." Dorman confirmed Chappelle's description, though that didn't change the perception by many that Chappelle's recent Netflix special, Sticks and Stones, was offensively and lazily transphobic.

Originally from Philadelphia, Dorman moved to San Francisco, where she worked as not only a software engineer but a budding comedian and actress.

On Friday, Dorman left a "goodbye" message on Facebook. She leaves behind a daughter.

If you are a trans or gender-nonconforming person considering suicide, Trans Lifeline can be reached at (877) 565-8860. LGBTQ youth (ages 24 and younger) can reach the Trevor Project Lifeline at (866) 488-7386. You can also access chat services at TheTrevorProject.org/Help or text START to 678678. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 can be reached 24 hours a day by people of all ages and identities.

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Neal Broverman

Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.
Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.
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