What to know about Transgender Day of Remembrance and violence against trans people

Commemorating Transgender Day of Remembrance amid Alarming Rise in Hate Crimes

November 20 marks the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), a solemn occasion to honour the memory of those within the transgender community who have lost their lives as a result of senseless acts of violence and hate. However, this year’s commemoration comes amidst an alarming surge in reported cases of hate crimes against transgender individuals.

Origins and Significance of the Transgender Day of Remembrance

Transgender Day of Remembrance was instituted in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith, in memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman murdered the previous year in a hate crime. The day serves as a somber reminder of the often-overlooked issue of violence against trans people and seeks to spark conversations about the increased exposure of the transgender community to hate crime.

Rising Violence Against Trans People

According to a shocking report published in 2022 by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), violence against transgender people, particularly trans women of color, is on a frightening upward trajectory. The HRC’s study found an increase in murdered transgender individuals, more than three-quarters of whom were Black or Latinx trans women.

The FBI’s 2022 Hate Crimes Report corroborated these findings, identifying a significant rise in hate crimes targeting transgender people across the United States. The alarming trend is not just confined to America, but is a worrying occurrence worldwide as documented in a report by the international organization, Trans Murder Monitoring project.

Policy Measures and Encouraging Awareness

In the face of this escalating crisis, lawmakers, advocates, and stakeholders are working to advance protective measures. The increased use of digital platforms to spread awareness about trans rights, encouraged by the global pandemic, has been one such response. Strategies to address the cyclic nature of hate crimes, involving both policy measures against discriminatory practices and active law enforcement, are also being worked on.

Widespread recognition of Transgender Day of Remembrance, alongside campaigns focusing on transgender rights, have also led some states to implement protective laws such as banning conversion therapy for minors and providing easier ways for individuals to change their gender marker on official identification documents.

Conclusion

The commemoration of Transgender Day of Remembrance is a critical reminder of the ongoing violence the trans community continues to face. It highlights the importance of society’s collective responsibility to take a stand against the bigotry that fuels these acts of hate and violence. Nurturing an inclusive society requires not only empathy and understanding, but also informed policy-making centered on safeguarding the rights of every individual, regardless of their gender identity.