33 Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming People Killed in the U.S. Since Last November

Accident – Death – Obituary News : New Report Reveals Alarming Epidemic of Violence Against Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming People in the US

According to the latest data released by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), at least 33 transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals have been tragically killed in the United States since November of last year. The report, which was published on Monday, sheds light on what the HRC describes as an “epidemic of violence” faced by trans and gender-nonconforming individuals, particularly young Black trans women.

Due to the incomplete and unreliable nature of data on violence against these communities, the actual number of fatalities is believed to be higher than reported. Many cases go unreported, and victims are often not identified as transgender in police reports. The HRC report acknowledges that this undercounting contributes to the gravity of the situation.

Kelley Robinson, the president of the Human Rights Campaign, expressed her dismay at the high incidence of violence, stating, “The epidemic of violence against transgender and gender-nonconforming people is a national embarrassment.” In a society that demeans and devalues those who challenge the gender binary, each life lost is a tragedy.

Coinciding with the release of the report, President Joe Biden issued a statement on Monday to mark the 24th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. He condemned the level of violence perpetrated against transgender individuals as “unacceptable.” Biden acknowledged the 26 transgender Americans who lost their lives this year alone, emphasizing that the true toll of those victimized is likely even higher, with women of color being the primary targets.

The HRC report reveals that a majority of the victims this year were Black transgender individuals, with Black trans women accounting for 62% of all fatal violence against transgender and gender-nonconforming people. Each of the 33 victims is commemorated in the report, with their stories serving as a reminder of the lives lost.

Among the victims was Banko Brown, a 24-year-old Black trans man who was described as a “brilliant” community organizing intern known for his ability to easily make friends and forge deep connections. Tragically, Brown was fatally shot by an armed security guard at a Walgreens in San Francisco in April.

Another victim, Koko Da Doll, was eulogized as one of Atlanta’s most loving transgender women. The 35-year-old rapper, also known as Rasheeda Williams, was shot and killed at an Atlanta shopping mall earlier this year.

The HRC report highlights the role of gun violence in the deaths of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. Since 2013, over 200 trans people have been killed with firearms, with 75% of these victims being transgender women of color under the age of 35.

The report emphasizes that the majority of fatal violence against these communities has occurred in the past three years, coinciding with an escalation of hostility towards LGBTQ+ communities from conservative politicians and public figures. The HRC calls for improved legal protections, particularly non-discrimination laws, to safeguard LGBTQ+ individuals in areas such as employment, housing, education, and other essential aspects of life.

“As we once more honor our dead, we remember their hopes and dreams and grieve the futures that were stolen from them,” remarked Kelley Robinson. She stressed the need to envision a better future for transgender and gender-nonconforming people, where they can live as free and equal members of society.

In response to the alarming rise in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and anti-trans rhetoric, HRC recently declared a national state of emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans. The organization has witnessed over 500 bills targeting LGBTQ+ education, restricting transgender youth’s access to gender-affirming healthcare, and limiting their participation in sports or use of public restrooms in 2023 alone.

The HRC’s report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the violence faced by transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals in the United States. It calls for a united effort to enact comprehensive legal protections and foster a society that values and respects the rights and lives of all its citizens..