Support Tyler's Recovery from Hate Attack

TRANS WOMAN ATTACKED AND IN NEED OF HELP

Tyler’s friends are making this go fund me to cover Lawyer expenses, medical bills, rehousing due to safety concerns, and intensive trauma therapy that she is now enrolled in.

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On Friday, May 30th, my friend Tyler Flanagan was physically and verbally attacked at @ExtraSpaceStorage on Charlotte Avenue by an employee of @BlackTieMovers. What started as hateful harassment quickly escalated into a violent assault—rooted in transphobia and ignorance.

While at the storage facility, she and a friend were confronted by five men—movers working on the property—who began shouting slurs at her and a friend. They misgendered them repeatedly, calling us “men,” and yelled that they could “still beat our asses because we’re men.” Their aggression was loud, hateful, and terrifying.

Tyler immediately reported the harassment to Extra Space Storage staff and asked for an escort to the car, which was parked right next to the movers’ truck. That request was ignored.

As Tyler and her friend walked to the car, the group confronted them again. Tyler Flanagan tried to de-escalate and avoid contact, but they continued screaming slurs. The situation boiled over when one of the movers, Jeremiah Hendrix—who was wearing a @BlackTieMovers uniform—physically attacked her. His assault was unprovoked, intentional, and fueled by hate.

This was the first time in her years living in Nashville that she truly feared for her life. She was attacked by a grown man twice my size. Tyler blocked part of the slap with her hand, but was still struck in the face. If she hadn’t reacted, he might have knocked her out. She is injured, shaken, and scarred from the trauma of that moment.

Even after reporting the first incident, the facility allowed the movers back inside. No steps were taken to protect her or her friend. The failure to act by both @ExtraSpaceStorage and @BlackTieMovers is unacceptable.

Trans women, queer people, and all marginalized individuals deserve safety and respect—especially in public spaces. She could have been seriously harmed or worse. Tyler is very thankful to be safe, but this experience will stay with her forever.

This story is so much bigger than Tyler, as we go into pride month; she’s using this moment to fight for justice for a community that is more times than not overlooked. The hatred that fueled that attack is never justified. She will not however, be slandered or silenced as she had the right to stick up for herself after constant harassment and hate fueled rhetoric. Unfortunately, there are a lot of stories similar to mine that aren’t on film.

We would forever be greatly appreciative for any person that is willing to help in this time of need. She is so extremely overwhelmed with so much support and I want do whatever I can to aid in her journey of healing.