Although Trans Awareness Week and Transgender Day of Remembrance have passed, the violence perpetrated against this community will not end unless we continue to fight against it year-round. As a survivor of multiple forms of anti-transgender violence, and a friend to many other trans and gender nonconforming victims and survivors, I have seen first hand what silence around this topic will bring, and that’s more violence. Please, listen and believe the stories of trans and gender non conforming survivors, and fight on for the victims of fatal violence, who can no longer advocate for themselves against those who continue to perpetuate heinous acts against this population.
As the current administration continues to attempt to roll back protections for this community, we must fight that much harder to keep trans and gender nonconforming folk safe. Trans women of color are especially at risk, and currently have a life expectancy of just 35 years. Enacting and enforcing sensible gun laws is one way we can protect this population, as gun violence is the primary cause of fatal violence against this community. Trans youth are also at considerable risk, with 21% not graduating in a K-12 setting due to the violence and harassment they face. Together, we can change these statistics, and create a world where trans and gender nonconforming folk can live out fulfilling lives from childhood into adulthood. To do this, we need your help. Take a stand against anti-transgender violence and rhetoric when you are confronted by it in your communities, don’t allow this epidemic of violence to progress any further.
View the video below for additional statistics and interventions that can help end anti-transgender violence, and join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #TRANScendviolence.
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