Chicago Mourns Ava Hudson: Trans Bus Driver Lost After Months of Misgendering Pain

Ava Hudson was a 27-year-old transgender woman working as a CTA bus driver in Chicago. She joined the job hoping for stability and a supportive place to continue her transition. But instead, she often faced the hurt of being misgendered by riders, coworkers, and even supervisors.

Because of her uniform, it was hard for her to express her true identity, and she didn’t always feel comfortable speaking up. What she hoped would be a new beginning slowly became emotionally overwhelming.

On August 7, 2024, Ava sadly passed away, leaving her family and loved ones deeply heartbroken. Ava’s story reminds us how important it is to treat people with respect, use the right pronouns, and create workplaces where everyone feels valued and safe. This story is shared only to raise awareness and kindness.