As the sun sets on November 20th, candles will flicker in vigils around the world. Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) is upon us—a day when we honor the lives of transgender and gender-diverse individuals who have been lost to violence. This year, the weight of grief feels heavier than ever. According to the Trans Murder Monitoring project by Transgender Europe (TGEU), 350 transgender people were killed globally between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. This represents a significant increase from last year’s total of 321, serving as a somber reminder of the rising violence the transgender community is experiencing.
For me, these numbers are not just statistics; they are a stark reflection of lives cut short and futures unfulfilled. Over the past few days, I’ve been pouring my heart into a speech I will deliver at my local LGBTQ+ advocacy group’s TDoR event this evening. My journey toward authenticity and my commitment to advocacy underscore the importance of this day—not just as a time of mourning but as a beacon of hope for a safer, more inclusive future.
The Rising Tide of Violence
TGEU’s annual Trans Murder Monitoring project has been documenting violence against transgender individuals for nearly two decades. This year’s report is particularly alarming, revealing that:
- 350 transgender people were killed, an increase from last year’s 321.
- One in four victims were aged between 19 and 25.
- 15 recorded murders involved trans youth under the age of 18.
- 93% of the reported murders were of Black or Brown trans people, a 14% increase from last year.
- Sex workers remain the most targeted group, although the proportion among victims has decreased to 46%, the lowest since reporting began.
The majority of these murders occurred in Latin America and the Caribbean, with Brazil accounting for 30% of cases for the 17th consecutive year. Notably, there were increases in Africa and the United States, while Europe saw a decrease.
Ymania Brown, Executive Director of TGEU, expressed deep concern over these findings, asking, “When will this violence end?” She called on governments worldwide to commit to immediate action against the surge in anti-trans hate speech and attacks.
While the reported numbers are staggering, they likely represent just the tip of the iceberg. Many hate crimes and murders go unreported or are misreported, often due to misgendering or deadnaming by authorities and the media. This systemic issue obscures the true scale of violence and hampers efforts to address it effectively.
A statement from TGEU, ILGA World, and other international LGBTQ+ groups highlights a “consistent rise” in hate speech and hate crimes both online and offline. This rise is particularly evident among political actors, religious and faith leaders, and public figures. The lack of robust hate crime legislation that protects gender identity and expression, coupled with the spread of disinformation on social media, exacerbates the vulnerability of transgender individuals.
My Personal Journey Amidst Collective Grief
For me, these statistics are more than abstract figures—they are a painful reminder of the pervasive dangers faced by the transgender community. As I prepared my speech for TDoR, I grappled with the stories behind the numbers.
“Good afternoon, neighbors, honored guests, and friends,” my speech begins. “My name is (Bricki), and it’s an honor to stand before you today, on Transgender Day of Remembrance. A day etched in sorrow, a day that forces us to confront the harsh reality faced by my transgender siblings. For me, this day holds a particularly poignant meaning.”
My own journey has been one of both struggle and resilience. For 53 years, I lived in secrecy, moving from city to city, state to state—always hiding, always pretending. My current city is just the latest stop on a lifelong search for belonging. Like many transgender people, I’ve worn a mask, not to deceive but to survive.
My path toward living authentically was fraught with challenges, but it also ignited a passion for advocacy. I started this website to share news and stories from the transgender community, aiming to be a beacon of hope. However, it often becomes a chronicle of our losses, each story a testament to the ongoing violence and discrimination.
Remembering Those We’ve Lost
One story that profoundly affected me was that of a young transgender girl named Pauly Likens from Sharon, Pennsylvania. At just 14 years old, Pauly’s life was tragically cut short. “Her life, full of promise and potential, was stolen from her. And for what? Because she dared to be herself,” I recount in my speech.
Pauly’s story serves as a heartbreaking illustration of how violence disproportionately affects transgender youth. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) reports that in 2024:
- 76% of victims were people of color.
- 52% were Black transgender women.
- 59% were killed with a gun.
- 35% of victims with a known killer were murdered by a romantic partner, friend, or family member.
- 41% were misgendered or deadnamed by authorities or the press.
“Violence or discrimination of any type against a person because of who they are is wrong and inhumane,” said Xavier Becerra, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. “This Transgender Day of Remembrance, I call on my fellow Americans to stand up against hate and take a moment to honor the lives of those transgender and gender-diverse Americans lost due to hate and senseless violence.”
The Broader Context of Prejudice
The increase in violence against transgender individuals cannot be viewed in isolation. The 2024 presidential race brought unprecedented vitriol into the public sphere, leaving many transgender people feeling especially marginalized and vulnerable. Campaign rhetoric demonized the transgender community, stoking prejudice and fear.
The Trevor Project, a non-profit focusing on suicide prevention among LGBTQ+ youth, reported a 700% increase in crisis line calls following the election. The Trans Lifeline experienced a surge in calls beyond its capacity to handle. These spikes reflect the heightened anxiety and despair within the community.
Tiffany Chenneville, a licensed psychologist specializing in LGBTQIA+ issues, notes that the persistent negative framing of transgender individuals during the election caused significant harm. “There is a feeling of rejection and a lack of support. And sometimes those negative stigmas become internalized, and they feel even more marginalized and alone,” she explains.
A Call to Action
Amidst the grief and fear, my speech emphasizes the importance of hope and collective action. “But amidst the grief, amidst the anger, we must find hope. Because hope is what keeps us going. Hope is what fuels our fight for justice. Hope is what allows us to honor the memory of those we have lost by working towards a future where their deaths were not in vain,” I declare.
Hope, I insist, is not passive. It demands education, advocacy, and unwavering support from allies, friends, and family members. “Here in (my current home), we can make a difference. We can support local organizations like the (my local) LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. We can advocate for inclusive policies in our schools and workplaces. We can be vocal allies, challenging transphobia wherever we encounter it.”
My message resonates with the core purpose of TDoR—not only to remember those we’ve lost but also to inspire change that prevents future tragedies.
Supporting the Transgender Community
In light of the escalating violence, it’s crucial for allies to step forward. Chenneville emphasizes the role of support networks in mitigating the negative impacts of discrimination. “I think that allies, friends, and family members of this community need to especially now provide that unconditional support,” she urges.
Support can take many forms:
- Advocacy: Lobby for policies that protect transgender rights and oppose legislation that seeks to limit them.
- Education: Increase awareness about transgender issues to combat misinformation and stereotypes.
- Visibility: Amplify transgender voices and stories to humanize the community and foster empathy.
- Mental Health Support: Recognize the mental health challenges faced by transgender individuals and promote access to supportive resources.
Looking Forward with Hope
As we observe Transgender Day of Remembrance, it’s essential to honor those we’ve lost by continuing the fight for equality and justice. I conclude my speech with a powerful message: “Today, we grieve. We remember. But we also rise. We rise with renewed determination to create a world where every transgender person is safe, respected, and loved. A world where every person, regardless of their gender identity, can live authentically and without fear.”
My words serve as a reminder that while the challenges are significant, the collective strength and resilience of the transgender community and its allies are more powerful. By standing together, we can work toward a future where violence against transgender individuals is a relic of the past.
How You Can Help
- Participate in TDoR Events: Attend local vigils and memorials to show solidarity.
- Support Transgender Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with groups that advocate for transgender rights.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about transgender issues and share accurate information within your networks.
- Speak Out Against Discrimination: Challenge transphobic remarks and behaviors when you encounter them.
The Bottom Line
As we light our candles this Transgender Day of Remembrance, let us honor the memories of those who have been taken from us too soon. Let us acknowledge the pain, but also embrace the hope that comes from unity and action.
“May the memory of those we have lost, like young Pauly, be a blessing. May their legacy fuel our fight for justice. And may hope guide us towards a brighter future,” I affirm.
Resources for Support:
- The Trevor Project: thetrevorproject.org
- Trans Lifeline: translifeline.org
- Human Rights Campaign: hrc.org
- Transgender Europe (TGEU): tgeu.org
Note: If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to these organizations for support.
