Selena Gonzalez
By Dennis Richmond Jr.
As we approach November 20th, Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), I am reminded of the immense challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community—challenges that extend far beyond our own disagreements. From heated debates about identity and appearance to the growing threats from a broader society, it is clear: trans lives are under attack.
In the past year alone, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has recorded alarming numbers of trans women, particularly Black and Latina trans women, murdered across the country. As of this article, at least 29 trans or gender non-conforming people have been violently killed in 2024, while at least 38 lost their lives in 2023. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent human beings—siblings, children, and friends—whose lives were brutally cut short simply because of who they were.
The violence targeting trans folx often goes unacknowledged, obscured by societal biases and hateful rhetoric from those in power. It is not only “straight” men who are responsible for this epidemic of violence; it is men from all walks of life—bisexual, gay, and those who are DL—who are complicit in this horrific trend. It is shameful, and it must end.
In conversation with Selena Gonzalez, a trans artist, activist, and agency worker, she shared: “As a trans woman, I know what it feels like to have your existence threatened daily. The mortality rate for transgender people is shockingly disproportionate compared to cisgender individuals. It’s a painful reminder that, in this country, our lives are considered disposable.”
Selena’s words resonate deeply. The political landscape is worsening, with laws actively seeking to strip away the humanity of the LGBTQ+ community. States are banning gender-affirming care and attacking LGBTQ+ education, disregarding the fact that these resources save lives. “Representation and education are our lifelines,” Selena emphasized. “When we speak up, we fight against the silence that endangers us.”
As allies, folx must do more. People need to advocate for policies that protect trans people, donate to organizations that provide support and safety, and educate themselves about the issues they face. This Transgender Day of Remembrance, let’s not only mourn the lives lost but commit ourselves to the fight for equality and justice. We must acknowledge our role in perpetuating systemic violence and actively work to dismantle it.
This is more than a call for remembrance; it’s a call for change.
Dennis Richmond, Jr., an educator, historian, and writer, illuminates the experiences of Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ communities in Yonkers and NYC through his journalism. Stay connected with him by following @NewYorkStakz on social media.
