PHILADELPHIA–On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health is issuing a statement in honor of the lives lost to violence against transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. In 2023, at least 26 people in Philadelphia were tragically taken from us through violent means.
Division of HIV Health Director Dr. Kathleen Brady stated, “As we solemnly reflect on the lives lost, we must acknowledge the stark reality that 88% of these victims were people of color, with 54% identified as Black transgender women. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for greater awareness, understanding, and action to address the ongoing threats faced by the trans community.”
The heartbreaking statistics reveal that 73% of these victims lost their lives to gun violence, highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive measures to curb firearms proliferation. Equally concerning is that 47% of victims with a known assailant were killed by a romantic/sexual partner, friend, or family member. This underscores the critical importance of fostering safe and supportive environments within interpersonal relationships.
Adding to the tragedy is that half of these victims were misgendered or deadnamed by authorities or media outlets, compounding the pain experienced by trans individuals and their loved ones. It is imperative that we work collectively to rectify this injustice and ensure every individual deserves dignity and respect regardless of their gender identity.
As we honor Transgender Day of Remembrance, let us renew our commitment to advocating for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals’ rights, safety, and well-being. We must strive for a world where everyone can live free from discrimination, violence