This is going to be a hard one to write, and probably a hard one to read. But on November 20th, as we observe Transgender Day of Remembrance, we need to look unflinchingly at what’s happening to our trans siblings – both here in the US and globally.
According to TGEU’s annual Trans Murder Monitoring project, 350 trans people were murdered worldwide in 2024 – and the year isn’t over. That’s up from 321 in 2023, marking what researchers are calling a “significant increase.” Nine in ten (93%) of the reported murders were of Black or Brown trans people, a 14% increase from last year. And here’s the gut punch: we know these numbers are just the tip of the iceberg, since many deaths go unreported or are misreported due to deadnaming and misgendering by authorities and media.
Here in the US, we lost at least 29 beautiful souls to anti-trans violence this year so far. Let that sink in. Twenty-nine people who just wanted to live authentically. Twenty-nine families grieving. Twenty-nine communities with holes that can never be filled.
The Numbers Don’t Lie (But They Sure Hurt)
According to the Human Rights Campaign, here are the stark statistics from 2024 for the United States:
- 76% of victims were people of color
- 52% were Black transgender women
- 59% were killed with a gun
- 35% of victims with a known killer were murdered by a romantic/sexual partner, friend, or family member
- 41% were misgendered or deadnamed by authorities or the press
The Lives We Lost
So far, in 2024, we lost:
- San Coleman, 48, a Black trans person known as the “life of the party” who never missed a family function
- Honee Daniels, 37, a Black trans woman with a charming personality who could “make anyone look like a movie star”
- Kassim Omar, 29, a Somali trans woman who fled to America seeking safety, only to be killed by hate
- Redd (also known as Barbie), 25, a Black trans woman who dreamed of opening her own beauty business
- Tai Lathan, 24, a Black trans woman remembered as “a sweetheart” by her aunt
- Vanity Williams, 34, an Air Force veteran and Black trans woman pursuing nursing school
- Dylan Gurley, 20, a trans woman killed in Texas
- Monique Brooks, 49, a Black trans woman and amazing hair stylist who advocated for LGBTQ+ rights
- Shannon Boswell, 30, a Black trans woman described as “one of a kind” and a “sweet soul”
- Kenji Spurgeon, 23, a Black trans person whose family called them “a bright light in our lives”
- Pauly Likens, 14, a trans girl who “lit up every room she entered”
- Liara Kaylie Tsai, 35, a trans woman, activist, and DJ
- Tayy Dior Thomas, 17, a Black trans girl described as “shy but so fearless”
- Jazlynn Johnson, 18, a trans girl taken far too young
- Kita Bee, 46, a Black trans woman who was “her authentic self through and through”
- Andrea Doria Dos Passos, 37, a Latina trans woman whose community showed up to honor her life
- Starr Brown, 28, a Black trans woman known for her “uplifting words”
- Nevaeh “River” Goddard, 17, a nonbinary teenager with “an amazing, outgoing personality”
- Tee Arnold, 36, a Black trans man who loved travel and was always there with encouragement
- Meraxes Medina, 24, a Latina trans woman and makeup artist who loved Jurassic Park
- Alex Franco, 21, a trans man remembered as “an athletic, cheerful man with a big heart”
- Diamond Cherish Brigman, 26, a Black trans woman described as “larger than life”
- Reyna Hernandez, 54, a Latina trans woman who achieved her dream of owning her own salon
- África Parrilla García, 25, a Latina trans woman remembered as “like a sister”
- Sasha Williams, 36, a Black trans woman who dreamed of performing in Las Vegas
- Kitty Monroe, 43, a Latina trans woman known for her painting, singing, and sense of humor
- Righteous TK “Chevy” Hill, 35, a Black trans man who created inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community
- Michelle Henry, 25, a Black trans woman described as a “ray of light”
- Yella (Robert) Clark Jr., 45, a Black trans person who died while incarcerated
The Political Reality
This violence doesn’t happen in a vacuum. With Trump’s victory and the looming specter of both Agenda47 and Project 2025, anti-trans rhetoric has moved from the fringes to the mainstream. The numbers tell the story: The Trevor Project saw a 700% increase in calls, texts and chats compared to prior weeks after the election results were announced.
Trump’s campaign spent over $20 million on ads attacking trans people, with about 41% of the campaign’s ad spending focused on messaging around trans people. Project 2025 – which Trump claims he doesn’t support but was written by his former cabinet members – calls for removing terms related to gender identity from every federal document and labels gender-affirming care as “child abuse.”
This rhetoric has real consequences. When political leaders denounce trans people’s very existence, it emboldens bigots to act on their hate. We’re seeing this play out in states across the country, with 26 states passing legislation banning gender-affirming care for minors and other anti-trans laws.
What Now?
I wish I had better news. I wish I could tell you things will get better soon. But what I can tell you is this: we must keep fighting. We must keep saying their names. We must keep showing up for our trans siblings – not just today, but every day.
To my trans readers: You are seen. You are valued. You deserve to live authentically and safely.
To my cis readers: It’s not enough to not be transphobic. You need to be actively anti-transphobic. Speak up. Show up. Vote. Donate to trans organizations. Support trans businesses. And most importantly, listen to trans voices and amplify them.
Because next year, I don’t want to write another article listing 29 more names. Or any names at all.
[Note: If you’re struggling, The Trevor Project’s crisis line is available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386. You are not alone.]
Kae Burdo
Kae Burdo is a queer and poly Oklahoma-based freelance writer and digital marketing professional with over a decade of experience in alternative sexuality and relationship education and advocacy. Their passions include travel, sour beers, international politics, the vast range of human sexuality, cross-stitching, intersectional feminism, and technology and startups. Follow them on Twitter @kaeburdo.
