Welcome to the Trans Doe Task Force help page. Here you will find answers to questions, and links to resources. Don't see your question answered here? Email us!
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I am an investigator working on a case of an unidentified person who may have been LGBTQ+. How can your organization help?
The Trans Doe Task Force can provide consultation and directly assist with identification in a variety of ways depending on the information and evidence available. If there is DNA evidence, we can help your department in evaluating the best lab route based on the type of material available for DNA extraction, so that you can get either a profile for use in the CODIS system, or if there is no CODIS hit, we can advise about obtaining a DNA profile suitable for use with Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy. If successful, our highly experienced in-house genealogists will analyze the results and work in cooperation with your department until the case is resolved. We can also accept DNA cases of unknown perpetrators of violence against an LGBTQ+ victim by the same process. We provide all services at no charge to departments, though we do appreciate it when departments have a budget for the lab work. But if not, we can cover most lab fees. If you have a case that is already in the Forensic Genetic Genealogy process but the case has stalled out or was deemed too difficult by another company or organization, we can take those cases on and triage them and work until completion. Finally, we can allow you investigator access to our LAMMP database which is closed to the public, so you can compare your UID case and future cases directly in our database. To request access, please email our database administrator. Alternately, we can perform a search for you, using both our LAMMP database and other research. Finally, we can provide forensic art of your Doe if requested.
I am an investigator working on a case of a missing person who is LGBTQ+. How can your organization help?
We have a database called LAMMP (LGBTQ+ Accountability for Missing and Murdered Persons). You can either request investigator access, or request that we perform a search for you within the database. (The missing persons section of LAMMP is not publicly visible to protect these vulnerable individuals.) We can create respectful yet informative missing persons flyers if desired. We can also engage in searching through our many connections with other groups. You can email our LAMMP admin to request any of these free services.
I am a loved one of a missing person who is LGBTQ+. How can your organization help?
We can help you to begin a search, reinvigorate a search, and create a respectful and accurate flyer. Our missing persons specialist and LAMMP admin can advise you on our recommended best practices for family and friends during a missing persons search, for the safety of both you and the missing individual. We can enter all available information into a private profile in our database, and help you make sure that their information gets anywhere else it needs to be. We may also be able to connect you with other search groups specific to your area, or tell you which groups/orgs are LGBTQ+ friendly.
Do you directly process DNA samples? How do you solve Doe cases?
We do not directly handle or process DNA samples or evidence. However, we can advise on preferred labs to send your sample. We solve Doe cases either by manual comparison with missing or unclaimed persons, or by the use of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy by our experienced in-house genealogists.
Does TDTF charge for services?
The Trans Doe Task Force does not charge for work on either missing persons or DNA cases. The only time we charge is if a company or organization requests that we create a special training for their staff or class. If you are interested in requesting a training or presentation, please email us.
Can I learn more about the cases your organization has worked on?
Many cases that we work on cannot be discussed or posted about publicly, but we are able to share about some cases. Each case we officially take on that we are permitted to discuss will get its own post, which you can find under the 'Articles' tab on our website. You can also find many places where we have discussed our work on individual cases with podcasters, etc in our 'Media' tab.
How do you decide if a case qualifies to be "a TDTF case"?
We have a post that answers this question thoroughly! We have also discussed this several times in interviews you may find in our media links.
I am a true crime fan, and I know of a case you should look at. Can I submit a case?
Yes, you absolutely can! We have a case submission form here. We also have a post from a couple of years back that specifically addresses true crime fans.
I don't understand this term, what does _______ mean?
Don't worry, we have an ever expanding glossary of frequently used terms! Thank you for wanting to learn more!
Do you only work on cases from the USA, or do you work internationally as well?
We primarily have worked on cases from North America, as that is where we are based, but we have worked on and are constantly tracking and researching cases all over the world to different degrees. Our LAMMP database is global. We have done workshops and presentations internationally as well. We are able to take on DNA cases from most countries.
I am moved by your work and want to help. Can I volunteer or contribute?
Thank you for your caring spirit! We have very few people on our team in total, but are always open to discussing volunteer possibilities via email. If you are looking to join the Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy team, there is presently a wait list. But you may request an application which we can send to you if you email us. If you would like to make a donation or purchase TDTF items, go to our Give/Shop page. We also have a downloadable and printable "How You Can Help" flyer. And of course, you can assist in identifications by contributing your DNA to GEDmatch!
My loved one was LGBTQ+ and when they passed away, they were deadnamed in memorials. Can I do anything about this?
I am a journalist/in media production, and would like to do a story on a case or on your organization. Can I use information from this website?
Do you hold any events or attend events as an organization?
Do you contribute to academic or scientific research based on your work?
I am LGBTQ+ and I am scared. I am concerned that something bad might happen to me. Can you help?
Who runs TDTF and LAMMP? Are they members of the LGBTQ+ community? Are they law enforcement?
How long have you been doing this work?
Do you have a list of additional outside resources?
Yes! We have a Google doc with a list of resources. You can view, download or print here. It will be updated periodically but downloading a copy for offline access is recommended.