Gratton was last seen leaving her Denver apartment on April 15. After days of no communication, her mother, Cherilynne Gratton-Camis, officially reported Gratton missing on April 24.
Just a day later, a Facebook group called "Find Jax Gratton Denver" was created to help spread search efforts for the well-known hairdresser and LGBTQ+ activist. Calls for the public to provide information, popular social media posts, updates from Cherilynne and local events were organized, as well.
Optimism had largely waned as the search neared two months. It took a turn for the worse on Friday, when the Lakewood Police Department announced that a body was found in an alleyway near the 9600 block of West Colfax Avenue. Police stated that the body was “in advanced stages of decomposition and could not be positively identified,” and an autopsy was scheduled for the next day.
The autopsy results have not been released to the public yet, but on June 7, Gratton-Camis announced to the Facebook group that the body was confirmed to be Gratton's.
“It's not just about Jax — it’s about all of you in the LGBTQIA+ community who face the world every day with courage, just wanting to live, love and exist safely and equally,” Gratton's mother wrote on social media. “That should never be a fight. And yet it is.”
With the tragic news came events to honor Gratton and the impact she had on Denver’s cosmetology scene and LGBTQ+ community as a whole. An altar adorned with crystals, flowers and pictures of Gratton stood on the steps of City Hall today as activists and friends spoke about Gratton and her impact.
Brandy Burns Carey, a close friend of Jax Gratton, reads about the impact Gratton had on her life during a speech on the steps of the Denver City and County Building June 9.
Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez
“[Jax] was terrified not because of who she was, but because of what the world was becoming,” Titone said with Williams by her side. “She saw an administration that loudly signals its intent to erase people like her, to treat trans lives as disposable, to tear apart families under the name of order, to let hatred walk freely while justice is shackled in silence.”
Reflections on Gratton's commitment to speak out against harmful policies, wanting the best for every person, and a call to fight for a safer and stronger world added a powerful message to the memorial event. Once the statement was read, Titone said that this is a time when people have to “stand up.”
Statements from Gratton's father, brother and sister were read by community leaders that wanted to honor her. Brandy Burns Carey, a close friend of Gratton and administrator of the Facebook group, shared her experience and fond memories with the hairstylist. Carey opened up her statement by wishing everyone a “safe and happy Pride month.”
“We celebrate great authenticity and the beautiful spectrum of which our identities represent,” said Carey. “You are all absolutely amazing. You are loved. Your life matters. And Jax’s life mattered.”
From the first time she met Gratton during the COVID-19 pandemic to coming out as bisexual, Carey said that she was inspired by Gratton to live her true self without any fear. Thankful for the friendship and support, Burns wants the public to continue the fight for visibility and justice for Gratton.
Paul Salas and Tynk Insy, both friends of Gratton, closed out the program by echoing the sentiments previously stated by family and friends.
“People are asking me ‘What makes Jax any different than the 23,000 plus people that are Missing in Colorado?,’” said Insy. “There is no difference. The only difference is she is mine and she is ours.”
Williams closed out the conference by starting a protest chant amongst the crowd, which called on people to “stand up, fight back.”
A public service to remember Gratton with a rosary prayer, drag performances and eulogies will be held at Highlands United Methodist Church, 3131 Osceola Street, today, June 9, at 6:30 p.m.
