On November 20, we observe #TransRemembranceDay. 

According to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the Transgender Day of Remembrance was launched in honor of Rita Hester who was killed on November 28, 1998. Sadly, since 2013, there have been 128 known anti-transgender homicides reported in the U.S. In 2018 alone, there have already been 22 known transgender people violently killed in the country. On November 20, transgender people who have had their lives taken from them are remembered. 

Blavity previously reported on the alarmingly rapid increase in hate crimes targeting Black trans women, in particular. According to a HRC report, 82 percent of the transgender people killed in 2018 were women of color; 64 percent were under the age of 35. 

Lourdes Hunter, the executive director of the Trans Women of Color Collective and a Black trans woman, told NBC News worrying about impending violence is unfortunately part of her daily life. “Going to the market, going to the store,” she said, "Simple things like that, you could lose your life.”

Many took to Twitter Tuesday to honor those lost to anti-trans violence with the hashtag, #TransRemembranceDay.

“We honor their contribution to the movement,” said Hunter, who is scheduled to mark the remembrance with a speech at Metropolitan Community Church in Washington, D.C. Tuesday night.  “It’s because of them — their energy, their presence, their existence — that we are here today, still moving forward.”

Now, check these out: 

New Report Puts The Spotlight On The Black Transgender Experience

Keo O'Neal, The First Openly Trans Man To Graduate From Spelman, Encourages Trans Youth 'To Be Brave’

Why Are We More Interested In Transphobia Than We Are In Transpeople?

#TransRemembranceDayanti-trans violenceBlack-Trans-WomenHate crimesLGBTQ+