Today we observe Transgender Day of Remembrance, which began in 1999 as a way to honor Rita Hester, a trans woman murdered inside her Boston apartment in 1998.
A vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence since Rita Hester’s death and began an important tradition that has become the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Observed every November 20, the day is meant to honor the memory of those whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.
A new report released by Transrespect versus Transphobia Worldwide, from its Trans Murder Monitoring research project, reveals the latest numbers in the worldwide epidemic of violence against trans people.
The new data shows 331 reported murders of trans and nonbinary people occurred between October 1, 2018, and September 30 of this year.
TMM updated its report with this statement: “The majority of the murders occurred in Brazil (130), Mexico (63), and the United States (30) adding up to a total of 3314 reported cases in 74 countries worldwide between 1st of January 2008 and 30th of September 2019.”
“In the United States, the majority of the trans people reported murdered are trans women of colour and/or Native American trans women (85%), and in France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, which are the countries to which most trans and gender-diverse people from Africa and Central and South America migrate, 65% of the reported murder victims were migrant trans women.”
.@HRC is honoring #TDOR to add our voices to the urgent call to support our transgender and non-binary siblings.
Today we honor those who we have lost to fatal violence— the majority of whom were Black transgender women. #TDOR2019 https://t.co/aS5secn5a8 pic.twitter.com/ALENuH37Nx
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) November 20, 2019
Today we recognize Transgender Day of Remembrance. We mourn the losses of transgender people to violence that we are aware of this year, and recommit ourselves to working towards a safer and brighter future for everyone. #TDOR pic.twitter.com/2ttq8PpKPW
— The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) November 20, 2019
On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor the memory of those we’ve lost—at least 22 trans and gender non-conforming people killed this year—and recommit to ridding this hate-filled violence from our society. Everyone deserves to live open and proud and free without fear.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) November 20, 2019
At least 22 transgender and gender non-conforming people have been killed in America this year. Tonight, I’m thinking of them and those whose deaths may never be reported. We must all commit to building a country where transgender Americans are safe, equal, and free. https://t.co/mUfDdBLWCD
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) November 20, 2019
In 2019, at least 22 transgender Americans—mostly Black trans women—have been targeted and murdered. We can never stop saying and remembering their names.
On Transgender Day of Remembrance, we must recommit to seeking justice for the lives taken and ending this epidemic. #TDOR
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) November 20, 2019
On Transgender Day of Remembrance, we #SayTheirNames, and we re-commit to ending this epidemic. #TDoR https://t.co/6mTLM2grTq
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) November 20, 2019
Hateful acts of anti-trans violence have claimed far too many lives—many whose names we’ll never know. Today we honor them. To those who continue to face discrimination & violence due to transphobia: I see you, I love you, & will never stop fighting for you. #TDoR2019
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) November 20, 2019
91% of murdered transgender people are Black trans women.
34% of Black trans women live in extreme poverty.
We need to alleviate their struggle to make ends meet—see their humanity— and take action to end the violence they face.#TransDayofRemembrance https://t.co/tQlBAha2qu
— Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) November 20, 2019
