Transgender and gender-nonconforming people were slain 33 times last year, research says
According to the latest report by the largest LGBTQ rights organization in the country, there has been an alarming increase in fatal attacks targeting transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. The report highlights that the community, particularly young Black trans women, has been the primary victim of this epidemic of violence.
According to a recent report by the Human Rights Campaign, there have been at least 33 murders of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals in the United States since November of last year. Out of these deaths, 26 have already been recorded this year, following a total of 41 reported deaths in 2019. The annual report was released on Monday in commemoration of Transgender Day of Remembrance.
According to the report by Human Rights Campaign, the widespread violence against transgender and gender non-conforming individuals is a shameful issue that our nation faces. In the report, Kelley Robinson, the President of the organization, expressed her dismay towards the loss of lives due to the unfair treatment and discrimination towards those who challenge the societal norms of gender. Each of these incidents is a tragic reminder of how our society belittles and disregards individuals who do not conform to the traditional gender binary.
According to the group’s records dating back to 2013, individuals belonging to the communities of color have been the most affected by fatal violence against trans and gender-nonconforming individuals. The latest report shows that this year, 69% of all victims were Black, out of which 51% were Black trans women. The second-largest group of victims were Hispanic people, accounting for 21% of all deaths. White people constituted only 9% of the total number of deaths.
According to the report, the majority of the victims were under 35 years old. In fact, over the past year, the average age of victims was just 28 years old.
Over the last ten years, a staggering 335 transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals have lost their lives, according to the Human Rights Campaign. Sadly, the community has seen a significant increase in fatalities over the past four years, with a total of 171 recorded deaths. Shockingly, the number of deaths in 2021 alone has already reached an all-time high of 59, as reported by the rights group.
The report highlighted that the numbers presented are most likely lower than the actual figures, as the collection of data regarding violent and fatal crimes against transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals is often unreliable and incomplete.
Lawmakers were urged to take action to combat violence towards LGBTQ individuals by enacting legislation, such as the Equality Act. This act would prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in critical areas like housing, employment, and education. Although the bill cleared a House vote in 2021, it has yet to make any progress in the Senate.
Earlier this year, the LGBTQ community faced a national state of emergency as declared by the Human Rights Campaign due to the alarming increase of anti-LGBTQ bills across the country. The majority of these bills are aimed at limiting the rights of transgender individuals, including their use of bathrooms, access to gender-affirming care, and participation in sports. This is a concerning trend that needs to be addressed urgently.
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