Dear John,

Over the past week, folks throughout the Commonwealth and beyond have been observing Transgender Awareness Week by sharing their personal stories, deepening their understanding of the issues affecting transgender and nonbinary people, and learning how to take action in support of trans lives. Transgender Awareness Week concludes on Sunday, November 20th, with Transgender Day of Remembrance and Resilience, which seeks to honor the lives of those we have lost to anti-trans violence, as well as uplift the collective power and strength of trans communities. The inclusion of the word resilience is a result of the work of Black and brown trans communities, who have called for the observance of this day to hold both mourning and celebration.

According to the Human Rights Campaign, at least 32 trans people were killed in 2022 by those perpetrating anti-trans hate and violence. An overwhelming number of those 32 were Black transgender and gender non-conforming people. It’s important to recognize that this data does not include the deaths of transgender and nonbinary people who were misidentified and misgendered by law enforcement. Here in Virginia, we mourn the deaths of Ariyanna Mitchell and Aaron Lynch, and we celebrate their bright spirits and the joy that they brought to their families, friends, and communities.

We must also emphasize that anti-trans violence is not just physical violence. Trans people throughout the United States and beyond have lost their lives due to violent policies that strip them of their bodily autonomy, access to healthcare and housing, and prevent them from updating their identity documents. Young trans people face violence at school at the hands of lawmakers who wish to erase their stories from classrooms, block them from playing sports, and force educators to deadname, misgender, and out them to their parents. These policies further stigmatize transgender and nonbinary people, which can lead to increased discrimination and bullying, not to mention poor mental and physical health outcomes. These consequences, over time, can prove fatal. Please consider taking action against current anti-trans legislation by using our form at the button below.

On Sunday, we will come together and join in remembering all those who have been lost, both this year and in years past. We will grieve those who have been unjustly taken from us, their beautiful lives cut short. We will keep their memory alive by saying their names, telling their stories, and celebrating their impact. We will honor and uplift the efforts of trans people who are working towards liberation and striving to make their communities safer. We will heal together, and vow to continue fighting until there is no longer a need for a TDORR event. 

We invite you to find and attend a TDORR event in your area on our list below, or to feel free to host your own.

In Solidarity,

Equality Virginia Staff

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