A transgender couple in Louisiana is fighting for justice after being brutally assaulted by a mob and then arrested, while their alleged attackers walked free. Aurora Rush and Shae Sanders shared their harrowing experience in an interview with Erin In The Morning, detailing the physical and emotional trauma they endured.
The incident occurred on 31 May at Cypress Black Bayou Park in Bossier Parish. The couple, who had been enjoying a day at the park with friends, faced a violent mob after using the women’s restroom. Sanders required four stitches above one eye, while Rush suffered a concussion and multiple other injuries. Despite their injuries, both were charged by police, with Sanders facing one count of disturbing the peace and Rush facing two counts, including fighting and using offensive language.
The assault and aftermath
The couple maintains they never fought back and has rejected a plea deal, insisting their case be heard in court. Their next court date is expected in August. Rush also alleges she was taken to a men’s jail despite having a female gender marker on her driver’s license, searched by a male officer, and initially booked under the wrong name. The couple’s attorney argues the attack should be treated as a hate crime.
Weeks after the incident, on 15 July, Bossier Parish officials approved a proposal for one of the country’s strictest bathroom ordinances against trans people. If enacted, the measure would require public employees to remove people from gendered facilities if their sex is questioned and could allow criminal penalties of up to a year in jail for anyone who refuses to leave. The ordinance’s legal status remains uncertain amid procedural challenges, with another public hearing expected on 2 September.
The impact on the community
The attack on Rush and Sanders has sent shockwaves through the transgender community in Louisiana. Community groups are mobilizing to support the couple and challenge the newly proposed ordinance. Peyton Michelle Rose, executive director for the statewide advocacy group Louisiana Trans Advocates, stated, “Things have gotten bad. But we’ve already had it bad. We’re used to standing up for ourselves.”
The couple continues to struggle with chronic health problems as a result of the physical assault. They are still adjusting to their new normal of chronic migraines, shifting court dates, mounting medical bills, and severe PTSD. Sanders shared, “I am a completely different person. I am terrified now. I’ve never been scared like this before.”
If you’ve been affected by this story, you can reach out to Mind on 0300 123 3393, Switchboard on 0800 0119 100, or the Samaritans on 116 123. Readers in the US can call or text 988 or chat at. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
