Honoring Transgender Day Of Remembrance

Each year on November 20, we recognize the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. The Day was started in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith, a transgender advocate, after Rita Hester, a transgender woman was killed the year prior –– a case that remains unsolved. 

Smith's action to honor Hester became a widespread way to “highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence,” according to media and culture coalition, GLAAD. 

Unfortunately, data shows that 2021 is set to be the "deadliest" year yet among transgender people across the globe since records of the killings began.

According to Trans Murder Monitoring, at least 375 trans and gender-diverse people have been murdered this year alone –– up 7% of 2020's already elevated murder rate among transgender people. Due to under-reporting and misreporting, advocates say the number of trans people killed is likely higher.

Brazil continues to have the highest number of reported killings of trans people with at least 125 made this year. In the US, the Human Rights Campaign tracked the killing of at least 44 transgender people this year.

Among Black trans people, the violence is disproportionate and continues to harm friends, families, and leave communities in mourning.

Below, the Black Information Network honors the Black trans and gender diverse people we've lost in 2021.

To read the stories of each individual we've lost, please visit the Human Rights Campaign's full report by clicking here.

Tyianna Alexander

Bianca "Muffin" Bankz

Dominique Jackson

Fifty Bandz

Alexus "Kimmy Icon" Braxton

Jeffrey "JJ" Bright & Jasmine Cannady
These transgender and non-binary siblings were shot to death in their Pennsylvania home. Their mother was charged.

Diamond Kyree Sanders

Jaida Peterson

Dominique Lucious

Remy Fennell

Tiara Banks

Tiffany Thomas

Keri Washington

Danika "Danny" Henson

Serenity Hollis

Thomas Hardin

Aidelen Evans

Taya Ashton

Shai Vanderpump

Tierramarie Lewis

Miss Coco

Pooh Johnson

Disaya Monaee

Briana Hamilton

Kiér Laprí Kartier

Mel Groves

Royal Poetical Starz

Marquiisha Lawrence

Angel Naira

Check out these Black-led LGBTQ organizations for more resources.

Reading about Black trauma can have an impact on your mental health. If you or someone you know need immediate mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. These additional resources are also available: 

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255

The National Alliance on Mental Illness 1-800-950-6264

The Association of Black Psychologists 1-301-449-3082

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America 1-240-485-1001

For more mental health resources, click HERE. 

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