If you need support today or any day of the year, visit the Allegheny County LGBTQ Health Portal for resources available to you. This email contains mentions of violence towards the LGBTQIA+ community.

Dear friends,

Today, we honor the memory of trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming people whose lives were cut short by senseless acts of violence. As we continue our fight towards equality for all, it’s crucial that we remember the lives lost to transphobic violence and uplift the trans voices right here in our community.

This year has been the deadliest year on record for trans and nonbinary people. In 2021, 46 anti-trans homicides have been reported, and unfortunately, we know there are likely far more that we don’t know about. Hatred is an epidemic — and we cannot let the trans members of our community continue to bear the cost.

There are countless ways to support the trans community — today and every day — and protect our siblings. Simple acts of awareness like taking the time to learn proper pronoun usage or listening to trans leaders in our community and understanding their stories go a long way in making Allegheny County a more inclusive place for everyone.

We must also advocate for members of the LGBTQIA+ community at the state and federal levels. This includes voting for legislators who have a proven track record of championing inclusive measures and protections for our community’s most vulnerable.

Today, I reaffirm my commitment to listening to and uplifting trans and nonbinary voices, because gender-diverse people deserve the right to live, love, and work in communities that are accepting of who they truly are.

To members of the trans and nonbinary community here in Pennsylvania: my office is always open, especially if you live in an area where you might be uncomfortable reaching out to your elected official.

Together, let us fight fiercely to protect our trans neighbors, and let us celebrate their lives and resilience.

In solidarity,

Senator Lindsey Williams