Today we remember those in our communities who lost their lives as a result of bigotry and hatred, and we come together to declare Not One More.
Violence is something that we are all too commonly familiar with as trans and gender nonconforming people. Whether that ranges from the violence we experience when we live in poverty, to family and intimate partner abuse, and street harassment from strangers. That violence can take many different forms. Too often that violence leads to murder and death.
From last year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance to this year, we have lost 26 people due to anti-transgender violence. We know that there is a huge disparity in who are impacted by this violence. This year, 24 out of the 26 people murdered were Black transgender women. These sobering statistics illustrate how multiple levels of inequity impact our lives, and that transgender women of color, and Black trans women, often bear the brunt of oppression, hate and violence.
This year it’s reported that we have lost at least 331 people from anti-transgender violence worldwide. We know that these numbers don’t represent everyone that we have lost, as murders are likely underreported. This isn’t just a problem, it’s an epidemic.
Every day, we are reminded of the immense debt and gratitude we have for our transestors, elders, and those currently fighting to be their true authentic selves. The transgender community is an integral, inseparable part of the City of San Francisco. That is why the Office of Transgender Initiatives and Mayor London Breed are coming together with the community to observe Transgender Day of Remembrance. We recommit our work to end the inequality that our communities face until we do not have one more death.
Today San Francisco is raising the transgender flag and lighting up City Hall in the same colors to honor those who have been taken from us.
The Office of Transgender Initiatives and Mayor London Breed will join the community in observing Transgender Day of Remembrance this evening, starting at 5:30pm with a vigil at the steps of City Hall followed by a procession to UC Hastings at 6:00pm to begin the formal program.