Origins & Early Life

Brandon Teena (December 12, 1972 – December 31, 1993) was an American transgender man who was murdered, along with Phillip DeVine and Lisa Lambert, in Humboldt, Nebraska, by John Lotter and Tom Nissen, in what would become known as the Humboldt Murders. His life and death are the subject of the films The Brandon Teena Story and Boys Don't Cry. The murders (specifically Teena’s), along with that of Matthew Shepard nearly five years later, led to increased lobbying for hate crime laws in the United States. Brandon Teena was born on December 12, 1972, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to JoAnn Brandon.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His father died in a car accident in Lancaster County eight months before he was born, and he was raised by his mother. Teena and his older sister Tammy lived with their maternal grandmother in Lincoln, before they were reclaimed by their mother when he was three years old and Tammy was six. The family resided in the Pine Acre Mobile Home Park in northeast Lincoln. JoAnn received disability checks and worked as a clerk in a women's retail store in Lincoln to support the family. As young children, both siblings were sexually abused by their uncle for several years, and Teena sought counseling...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abraham Joshua Heschel — Contemporary (Died in 1972) (1972): Leading 20th-century American rabbi, theologian, and philosopher.
• Alessandro Nivola — Contemporary (Born in 1972) (1972): Versatile American actor known for film and stage work, building a notable career.
• Alison Stone (philosopher) — Contemporary (Born in 1972) (1972): British philosopher specializing in feminist and continental European thought.
• Ajahn Buddhadasa — Contemporary (Died in 1993) (1993): Pioneering Thai Buddhist monk known for reinterpreting doctrine and fostering religious reformation.
• Alia Bhatt — Contemporary (Born in 1993) (1993): Acclaimed British-Indian actress known for versatile roles in Hindi cinema.
• André the Giant — Contemporary (Died in 1993) (1993): French wrestler and actor, famed for his colossal size and wrestling career.
• Alexander I of Russia — Shared historical date (12-12 · Born) (1777): Emperor of Russia during the Napoleonic era, known for liberal reforms and military campaigns.
• Anne Baxter — Shared historical date (12-12 · Died) (1985): Acclaimed American actress known for her work in Hollywood and on Broadway.
• Aleksandr Popov (physicist) — Shared historical date (12-31 · Died) (1905): Pioneering Russian physicist credited with early radio receiving technology.
• Andreas Vesalius — Shared historical date (12-31 · Born) (1514): Founder of modern human anatomy, revolutionized medical science with detailed publications.
• 1972 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1972
• December 12 (12-12) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 12
• 1993 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1993
• December 31 (12-31) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on December 31