33 Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming People Killed in the U.S. Since Last November: A Tragic Epidemic of Violence

Accident – Death – Obituary News : In the United States, the alarming number of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals who have lost their lives due to violence continues to rise. According to recently released data from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), at least 33 individuals within this community have been killed since November of last year. The report, which was made public on Monday, sheds light on the “epidemic of violence” that plagues transgender and gender-nonconforming people, particularly young Black trans women.

It is important to note that the actual number of victims is likely higher than reported, as incidents of violence against this marginalized group are often undercounted due to incomplete or unreliable data. Many cases go unreported, and it is not uncommon for victims to not be identified as transgender in police reports.

Kelley Robinson, the president of the Human Rights Campaign, expressed her dismay at the situation, calling the epidemic of violence against transgender and gender-nonconforming people a national embarrassment. She emphasized that each life lost is a tragedy, reflecting a society that diminishes and devalues those who challenge the gender binary.

On the same day, President Joe Biden issued a statement to commemorate the 24th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, condemning the level of violence against trans individuals as unacceptable. He acknowledged that the 26 transgender Americans whose lives were taken this year represent only a fraction of the true toll, with the majority of victims being women of color.

The HRC report reveals that the majority of victims this year were Black transgender individuals, with Black trans women accounting for 62% of all fatal violence against trans and gender-nonconforming people. The report pays tribute to each of the 33 victims by sharing their stories, highlighting their unique personalities and the tragic circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Gun violence emerges as a significant factor in the deaths of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. HRC’s data shows that over 200 trans people have been killed with a firearm since 2013, with three-quarters of those victims being transgender women of color under the age of 35.

The report also draws attention to the fact that most of the fatal violence against this community has occurred within the past three years. This period coincides with an escalating hostility towards LGBTQ+ communities, fueled by conservative politicians and public figures. In response, the HRC calls for enhanced legal protections, particularly non-discrimination laws that safeguard LGBTQ+ individuals in areas such as employment, housing, education, and other necessities.

Kelley Robinson emphasizes the need for a better future for transgender and gender-nonconforming people, where they can live as free and equal members of society, rather than merely surviving. She emphasizes the importance of imagining a society that upholds these values.

Earlier this year, the HRC declared a national state of emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans due to escalating anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, anti-trans rhetoric in the media, and a rise in violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. In 2023 alone, lawmakers introduced more than 500 bills targeting education about LGBTQ+ people, limiting transgender youth’s access to gender-affirming healthcare, and imposing restrictions on their participation in sports or use of public restrooms.

The HRC report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for society to address the violence and discrimination faced by transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. It calls for comprehensive legal protections and a collective effort to create an inclusive and accepting society for all..