At least 33 transgender and gender non-conforming individuals have lost their lives in the United States over the past year, according to a new report released by the Human Rights Campaign. The report, published on Transgender Day of Remembrance, highlights a disturbing trend of violence that has claimed the lives of 335 people since tracking began in 2013. Shockingly, over 90% of these killings targeted people of color.
The report reveals that transgender women of color, particularly Black women, continue to be disproportionately affected by this violence. More than half of the known victims over the past 12 months were Black trans women. Tori Cooper, the director of community engagement for the transgender justice initiative at HRC, describes this ratio as a tragedy driven by racism, toxic masculinity, transphobia, and the politicization of transgender lives.
These killings occur within the context of a record year for anti-LGBTQ legislation, with conservative lawmakers using anti-trans sentiments to fuel their political campaigns. This follows the mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs last year, which claimed the lives of five people, including two trans individuals. The shooting was seen as a manifestation of rising anti-LGBTQ extremism across the nation.
In 2023 alone, more than 550 bills aimed at limiting the rights of the LGBTQ community were introduced in state houses across the country, with over 220 specifically targeting the rights of young trans individuals. This growing anti-transgender rhetoric not only marginalizes an already vulnerable population but also creates a hostile environment that endangers anyone who exists outside the gender binary.
While the total number of killings has slightly decreased compared to the previous year, there are alarming trends for trans people of color and younger individuals. Since 2013, 207 Black trans women have been killed, representing approximately 62% of all lives lost. Additionally, over the past 12 months, 78% of the victims were under the age of 35.
It is crucial to address this issue and work towards creating a safer society for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. The report emphasizes the need for comprehensive measures to combat racism, toxic masculinity, and transphobia, as well as the importance of protecting the rights and well-being of trans people. Visibility, inclusion, and education are integral to challenging the stigma and prejudice faced by transgender communities.
As we honor the lives lost on this Transgender Day of Remembrance, it is a stark reminder that there is much work to be done in order to achieve equality, justice, and safety for all transgender individuals. Let us strive for a society that embraces diversity and respects the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of their gender identity or expression. Only then can we hope to eradicate the violence and discrimination that continues to devastate transgender communities.
