Remembering Our Dead

TDoR 2026 / 2025 / November / 15 / Girlalala

Girlalala

Age 21

15 Nov 2025
Tampa, Florida (USA)
Shot

Girlalala was a hairstylist, content creator and influencer with a large online following. She died after being shot in her apartment by her boyfriend.

Girlalala tragically died at the age of 21 after being fatally shot in her apartment in Florida. Her boyfriend, Shanoyd Whyte, was arrested in connection with her death and faces charges of premeditated first-degree murder with a firearm. Reports suggest that the shooting followed a domestic dispute, with previous social media posts indicating a history of tension in their relationship. The news of her passing has shocked her fans and the online community, prompting an outpouring of grief and support, including a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $19,000 to assist with funeral expenses and honour her memory.

Taking to her Instagram shortly after news of Girlalala’s death went viral, JT shared a heartfelt post, writing, "Rest in peace, beautiful Girlalala! We love you, and Heaven will never be boring now that you’re there. Your boldness, energy, humour, and beauty will be missed! You never missed a chance to show me love, and for that, I’m forever grateful. I’m so sorry this happened to you. We have to stop thinking things are funny just because of the way the story is told. If you see content about domestic violence, don’t laugh—especially because it involves a Black trans woman. We have a way of laughing through our pain because we’ve been conditioned to be treated as a joke." She also urged fans to donate to her GoFundMe, writing, "if you can donate $5.00, donate," followed by the hashtag #protecttranswomen."

Girlalala was also a hairstylist and content creator who had built a loyal following online. On TikTok, she had over 263,000 followers, while her Instagram accounts — @_girlalalala and @therealgirlalala — had 37,000 and 41,000 followers, respectively. She also ran a YouTube channel, LifeWgirlalala, where she shared glimpses of her life and her work as a hairstylist. Fans admired her for her bold personality, sense of humour, and authenticity, especially as a Black trans woman navigating her world in the public eye. Her online presence was a mix of creativity, personal stories, and unapologetic self-expression, which resonated with many of her followers.

Shanoyd Whyte was arrested on charges of first degree murder.

Girlalala reportedly had the support of her mother in her transition but not her father. Her funeral - which was organised by her mother - affirmed her identiity.

*The public viewing for TikTok star and hairstylist Girlalala, held December 5 in Pompano Beach, Florida, has gone viral—largely due to her visible presentation inside what many online have dubbed a “glass casket.” The 21-year-old Black transgender woman was laid out in a pink Versace robe.

Before the viewing, Girlalala’s father strongly opposed a feminine presentation, reportedly demanding a more masculine look and even holding a separate private service. Her mother, however, went forward with the public memorial that honored her daughter’s identity.

The sight of her father tearfully comforting her mother at the casket drew mixed responses—some saw it as a moment of healing, others as a painful reminder of the earlier disagreement. Online critics labeled the father’s resistance as transphobic and said trans lives deserve dignity in death.

Local LGBTQ+ groups described Girlalala as a light in the community. Her visibility on TikTok gave confidence to young trans people navigating identity, beauty, and self-love. Her death has fueled calls for justice, both legally and socially.

Girlalala's Instagram and YouTube accounts are https://www.instagram.com/_girlalalala, https://www.instagram.com/therealgirlalala and https://www.youtube.com/@LifeWgirlalala.

https://eurweb.com/girlalala-funeral/

https://girlsunited.essence.com/feedback/girllala-trans-influencer-murder/

https://windycitytimes.com/2025/11/26/national-trans-woman-killed-trans-day-of-remembrance-barney-frank-queer-asian-bar-exhibition/

https://www.ebony.com/remembering-girlalala-black-trans-women-violence/

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us-streamers/girlalala-fathers-video-stirs-huge-reaction-after-he-says-wig-at-funeral-goes-against-gods-plan/articleshow/125525374.cms

https://blavity.com/jt-donates-to-trans-tiktok-star-girlalalas-funeral

https://www.them.us/story/girlalala-killed-boyfriend-arrested-murder-jt-donation

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/black-trans-tiktok-star-girlalala-014633205.html

https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/girlalala-influencer-murder-911-calls-lauderdale-lakes/3723314/

https://www.gayemagazine.com/black-trans-tiktok-star-girlalala-shot-killed-by-boyfriend-rapper-jt-speaks-out-against-domestic-violence/

https://poprant.indiatimes.com/trending/trans-influencer-girlalala-fatally-shot-by-boyfriend-at-21-rapper-jt-shares-moving-tribute-donates-over-13500-to-her-gofundme-675554.html