Image by Micah Bazant with Forward Together
Tomorrow, November 20th, marks the 22nd year of Trans Day of Remembrance/Resilience, where we remember, honor, and uplift the lives of our trans siblings who were taken too soon from us. Globally, 2021 is set to be one of the deadliest years for trans and gender-diverse people, with 375 registered murders between September 2020 and October 2021. In 2021, at least 45 trans and gender non-conforming people were reportedly killed in the United States, most of whom were Black and Latinx. Today we remember the 45 precious lives lost here in the U.S, the 375 globally, and all those who were unreported or misreported.
We also know too well that violence against people who are trans and gender nonconforming is just one of many manifestations of transphobia, and that these forms of violence exist within a broader container compounded by transmisogyny, racism, anti-Blackness, xenophobia, HIV stigma, and anti-sex worker sentiment.
Positive Women’s Network envisions and works toward a future in which all people of trans experience are supported to live fulfilling, secure and happy lives, free from all forms of violence, harassment, hostility, or discrimination. Today and every day, Positive Women’s Network reaffirms our commitment to our trans and gender non-conforming siblings, and our dedication to elevate and center transgender leaders within our organization and across the HIV field.
Here in the HIV movement, systemic transphobia means that data on the impact of HIV on women of trans experience is incomplete, even though many studies have shown that women of trans experience face elevated structural risk for HIV. We also know that transwomen are disproportionately impacted by HIV. Despite the federal response to HIV identifying transwomen as a priority population, we are still seeing ways transphobia and transmisogynoir within government policies impede meaningful support for transwomen living with HIV.
Every day, people of trans experience are forced to navigate social and political hostility, prejudice, discrimination, and violence that compromise their safety and most basic rights. More anti-trans bills were passed in 2021 than any other year. Youth across the country are fighting to access the most basic things such as gender-affirming care, participation in sports, and pronouns that reflect their identity. Resilience in the face of hostility and violence is not enough to carry us through these times. We are at a critical juncture and we need to act now to protect. uplift, and provide resources to our trans-identifying siblings. Read the Trans Agenda for Liberation put forth by our comrades at Transgender Law Center addressing both the immediate sociopolitical violence towards the trans community, as well as a radical visioning for a future where trans folks are free to build their lives and families on their own terms.
To our members, leaders, staff, and movement comrades who are people of trans experience: You are crucial, beloved members of our community: you are our friends, neighbors, colleagues, family members, partners. As long as people of trans experience are not safe to live authentically, openly, and with respect and dignity, our work will not be complete. We see you, we are with you, we value you, and we love you.
Towards liberation of all our people,
Positive Women’s Network – USA
