In loving memory of Khalifa Mohamed

We are the closest friends and chosen family of Khalifa Mohamed (they/them), who was taken from us far too soon after many years of courageous struggle with complex chronic health conditions. Khalifa passed into the realm of the ancestors on March 9, just two weeks before their 35th birthday. Our hearts are shattered as we mourn the loss of Khalifa’s life. The pain of Khalifa’s passing is tremendous, and the chosen family has taken care of the arrangements, including laying them to rest next to their beloved sister Khaalidah, joining her in passing. Khalifa is also survived by their niece Alyssa and nephew Aidan, who were the joys of their life.

A child of immigrants from Guyana and a Queens, NY native, Khalifa was, as they liked to say, “both street smart and book smart”. A survivor of domestic and systemic violence and abuse, Khalifa’s life led them to navigate foster care, the medical industrial complex, and criminal (in)justice systems, either personally or in their close community. Growing up in the 9/11 era and growing into their queer identity, they deeply understood homophobia, racism and Islamophobia. After receiving a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes at age 19, Khalifa was forced to suspend their studies in order to address the serious health issues, which over the years culminated in a failed pancreas transplant, multiple surgeries, and subsequent complications, ultimately developing into a terminal diagnosis.

A first generation college student, Khalifa’s determination, deep intellect and curiosity brought them back to the classroom despite their significant challenges. At the time of their passing, Khalifa had completed their Associate’s Degree and was well on their way to completing a Bachelor’s degree in Gender & Women’s studies at Brooklyn College. In the past couple of years, they received numerous scholarships and honors and were twice included on the Dean’s list. They were emerging into the role of a mentor, advisor and inspiration to a younger generation, especially for queer and trans students, in their role as an ascending scholar and as a member of the Brooklyn College LGBTQI Resource Center team - where they were very proud to work.

Estranged from most of their blood family, Khalifa found home in Brooklyn (close to Poppy, Mariam, and Noa) and within the New York City queer community spaces. From Cubbyhole, where they first came out about ten years ago (and met Kate), to the Brooklyn College LGBTQI Resource Center, where they worked during the last months of their life, Khalifa never ceased to evolve and discover more of themself or inspire those around them.They demonstrated through their life all the ways we can come together to support each other beyond and against oppressive systems, bringing together a constellation of queer and migrant chosen family, against the odds. Khalifa was a true trailblazer for their niece and nephew, whom they loved dearly.

Khalifa was a fierce and passionate advocate for social justice and the liberation of oppressed and marginalized people. Their passion was to fight for the liberation of Palestine and show up in solidarity with other anti-racist and anti-imperialist causes on and off the campus, streets, and social media. Their vocal advocacy for Palestinian and queer liberation made them a target of verbal and physical attacks, which did nothing to discourage them - in fact, this only added passion and fire to their activism. Khalifa’s resilience, grit, and political clarity will leave a lasting impact on their community.

In spite of life full of grief, struggle and hardship, they moved through life’s challenges taking one day at a time. Khalifa pursued and found joy in their passions. They were a talented writer and poet since their early years and a self-proclaimed nerd. Khalifa was a foodie and a tattoo enthusiast. They played pool like a professional and had mastered the craft of embroidery to create social justice patches. Khalifa was a big animal lover and often did pet-sitting gigs for cats and dogs of Brooklyn. Among Khalifa's many talents also were playing violin and learning Arabic. Recently, they were starting to ride a bike and were experiencing tons of gender euphoria - the topic they had also chosen as the focus of their BA thesis. They proudly and unapologetically embraced and asserted their queer and Muslim identities. We remain inspired by Khalifa’s courage, pride, optimism, humor, and love of life.

We are reaching out to our community and beyond for support. Donations will go directly toward Khalifa’s funeral and memorial expenses, helping us give them the farewell they deserve.

No amount is too small, every donation, share, and prayer mean the world to us. Help us honor Khalifa’s memory and join us in carrying forth Khalifa’s light.

Thank you for your kindness, love, support, and solidarity during this heartbreaking time.

With gratitude,

Khalifa’s chosen family:

Kate, Poppy, Mariam, Noa