In 1999, transgender activists Gwendolyn Ann Smith, Nancy Nangeroni, and Jahaira DeAlto founded Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR) to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a Black trans woman who was killed the year before. Trans and gender-nonconforming people are an essential part of the autistic community; our communities and our struggles are closely intertwined. Today, ASAN solemnly recognizes the 25th anniversary of Trans Day of Remembrance. 

Today we remember those we've lost to anti-trans violence, particularly trans women of color. We stand in solidarity with our trans siblings and recognize how our communities overlap. Transgender autistic people are often denied the autonomy, recognition and respect they need to live according to their gender identity. Misperceptions about what it means to be transgender, or about autistic people’s ability to understand their gender or make decisions about their bodies, often prompt service providers or family members to stand in the way of transgender autistic people’s attempts to live life with authenticity and dignity. This can include denying transgender autistic people access to transition-related care, subjecting them to “normalization” treatments aimed at suppressing their gender expression, or placing them in guardianship or institutional settings that restrict their decision-making power. While research suggests a large overlap between transgender and autistic communities, trans autistic people often lack access to services and supports that understand and respect all aspects of their identity.

Continued attacks against the rights of transgender people in legislatures, in schools, in libraries and on the playing field all contribute to antagonism that further threatens trans communities, particularly trans women of color, as we tragically see in those we have lost this year. Join us in reading and remembering the list of names of those killed this year. While we mourn, it is also vital that we take action to protect our trans community from discrimination in every area of society. ASAN will continue to fight back against attacks on trans rights and work towards a world in which transgender autistic people are respected and included everywhere.

Autistic Self Advocacy Network

PO Box 66122
Washington, DC 20035

 

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