A new report from the Human Rights Campaign has revealed yet another disturbing statistic in the rate of violence against transgender people in the U.S.
According to the report, at least 33 transgender and gender non-conforming people have been fatally shot or killed in other ways since November 2022. So far, in 2023, at least 26 transgender have been killed, the report adds. In 2022, the Human Rights Campaign revealed that a total of 41 transgender people were murdered.
The HRC’s study shows that 69% of transgender people who face violence are Black. In comparison, 21% of transgender Hispanic people and 9% of whites are also killed. Black trans women make up 51% of the total number of deaths, the HRC added.
“The epidemic of violence against transgender and gender non-conforming people is a national embarrassment,” HRC President Kelley Robinson stated. “Each of these lives taken is a tragedy — the result of a society that demeans and devalues anyone who dares challenge the gender binary.”
President Joe Biden issued a statement on Monday in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance.
“Today, on Transgender Day of Remembrance we are reminded that there is more to do [to] meet that promise, as we grieve the 26 transgender Americans whose lives were taken this year,” Biden said in a statement according to CBS News. “While each one of these deaths is a tragedy – the true toll of those victimized is likely even higher, with the majority of those targeted being women of color.”
Secretary of State Antony Blinken also released a statement, saying the U.S. affirms “the humanity and human rights of transgender persons globally.”
“Trans individuals are a part of every country, every culture, and every faith tradition,” Blinken continued.
As the LGBTQ+ community continues to face violence, the HRC declared a National State of Emergency in 2023. The organization said this is the first time it has taken such a measure in over 40 years.
According to the HRC, over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced across the country and at least 80 of those measures have been passed into law.
