Friend,

Each year, countless transgender Americans — especially Black transgender women — face hate, violence, and many are murdered simply because of their identity and who they are. Today we remember, honor, and celebrate the transgender and gender-nonconforming Americans who were taken too soon.

Every person has a right to exist, live, and be who they are. This Transgender Day of Remembrance, we're looking back on a historic year in the fight for justice and civil liberties for all. Activists have repeatedly shown strength and unity in the face of division, hate, and intolerance.

I'm proud that Americans from all walks of life — including hundreds and thousands of Washingtonians — have come together repeatedly, in the middle of a pandemic no less, to fight for equality and equal opportunity for all. We've secured important victories for LGBTQ+ Americans, but the past administration leveled more than one attack on the transgender community.

As we move forward, we must heal and set right any policy that treats any American like a second-class citizen.

We should all be committed to equality and equity for our transgender community. We cannot tolerate the hate or violence that is often directed at our trans neighbors, loved ones, and friends.

Today, and every day. I am committed to defending the rights and liberties of every American because that is the promise of our democracy. On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, I hope you'll join me in raising the trans flag with pride and to honor those lost.

It's an honor to represent you,

Derek