A NATIONALEPIDEMIC:FATALANTI-TRANSGENDER
VIOLENCE IN THE
UNITED STATES IN 2019

FROM PRESIDENT ALPHONSO DAVIDAt this moment, transgender women of color
are living in crisis. Over the past several years,
more than 150 transgender people have been
killed in the United States, nearly all of themBlack transgender women.
At the time of publication of this report, weknow of at least 22 transgender and gender
non-conforming people who have been killed
this year in this country.
While the details of the cases differ, it is clearthat the intersections of racism, sexism andtransphobia conspire to deny so many membersof the transgender community access tohousing, employment and other necessities tosurvive and thrive.
As the stories documented in this report makeclear, this is a national crisis that demands theattention of lawmakers, law enforcement, themedia and every American.
For transgender women of color who are livingin crisis, their crisis must become our crisis
as well. We must recognize that the killings ofBlack and Latinx transgender women reflect
a deep level of indifference and fear, and wemust directly combat it. For too long, our system
has failed the transgender community. And bydepending on that system, we have also failed
the transgender community. We must lookoutside of the existing paradigm to create new
systems to support transgender people in thecommunities they call home.
That is why the Human Rights Campaign
launched a new Transgender Justice initiative.
We are working with local activists and
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION

advocates who have been doing this work for
decades to provide additional support, advance
programs and ultimately change systems todrive long-term change across this country.
With our partners, we are working to support
advocates through capacity building, leverage
our strengths with our corporate and community
partners to deliver new economic and training
opportunities, and work with local governments
to drive systematic change in areas mostneeded – public safety, healthcare, housing,education and employment.
This is urgent work — and it requires all of us
to engage. In this report, the Human Rights
Campaign’s team of researchers, policy
experts and programmatic specialists havelaid out steps that every person can take tohelp eliminate anti-transgender stigma, removesocietal barriers and reduce risk factors.
We must continue to fight for real change in ourlaws, in our policies and our local communities
so that every transgender person is treatedwith the dignity and respect every one of us
deserves.
In unity,

Alphonso David
President
Human Rights Campaign Foundation

TABLE OF CONTENTS
2INTRODUCTION

3WHO IS TRANSGENDER?

4IN MEMORIAM

12

THE STATISTICS

25

12DEMOGRAPHIC DATA18

LAW & POLICY DATA

22

SAFETY DATA23REPORTING & ENFORCEMENT DATAWHAT WE CAN DO

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1INTRODUCTION
At least 22 transgender and gender non-conforming people have been killedin the U.S. since the beginning of 2019.

91% 81% 68%
of them wereBlack women.

were under theage of 30.

This is not a new problem. In the seven years that the
Human Rights Campaign Foundation has tracked
anti-transgender violence, an average of at least 22
transgender and gender non-conforming people havebeen victims of fatal violence per year.
We say “at least” because the stories detailed inthis report very likely undercount the number oftransgender and gender non-conforming people who
were killed in the United States this year. Although
advocates, bloggers and media groups have elevatedthe epidemic of violence against transgender andgender non-conforming people in the past several
years, data collection is often incomplete or
unreliable when it comes to violent and fatal
crimes against transgender and gender nonconforming people. Some victims’ deaths may
go unreported, while others may not be identified astransgender or gender non-conforming in the media,
often because authorities, journalists and/or family
members refuse to acknowledge their gender correctly.
In this report, we hope to shed light on several factors
related to anti-transgender violence, many of which
are drawn from our tracking of anti-transgenderviolence since 2013. We present statistics and analysis
on demographics, legislation, safety, reporting andenforcement, revealing disturbing but important trends
about violence against transgender and gender nonconforming people in the U.S. Finally, based on thesestatistics, we provide action items that can help end theviolence.

2

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lived in theSouth.

Across the United States, anti-transgender stigma
and systemic discrimination heighten the vulnerabilityof transgender and gender non-conforming people
from an early age. For Black transgender women, whocomprise the vast majority of victims of anti-transgendermurders, these challenges are further exacerbated byand intertwined with racism and sexism.
Even in the face of physical danger, hatredand discrimination — sometimes ruthlessly
endorsed and enforced by those at the highest
level of our government — transgenderand gender non-conforming people live
courageously and overcome unjust barriers
in all corners of our country. But until we asa country address and dismantle these barriers,transgender and gender non-conforming people willcontinue to face higher rates of discrimination, poverty,
homelessness and violence. You can learn more about
the multiple intersecting obstacles that transgenderand gender non-conforming people face in the U.S. in
the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2019 report“Dismantling a Culture of Violence.”
In life, each of the individuals memorialized in this reportwent to extraordinary lengths to live authentically.
In death, we must honor their truth and bravery withaction.

WHO IS TRANSGENDER?
For the purpose of this report, we use the phrase “transgender and gender non-conforming” to describe acollective community of individuals whose gender identities, expressions and/or lived experiences differ from — andmay in fact transcend — what is typically associated with the sex they were assigned at birth.

This includes transgender men and women, as well as individuals who identify as:

NONBINARY

GENDER NONCONFORMING

GENDEREXPANSIVE

Non-binary people do not
identify exclusively as men
or women — and may not
identify with either. A nonbinary person may also use
the terms “genderqueer”
or “genderfluid” to describe
their gender identity.

Some people are gender
non-conforming in
expression, which includes
their outward presentation
and behavior. Any person,
regardless of their gender
identity, can be gender nonconforming.

Gender-expansive is a termthat conveys a wider, more
flexible range of identity
and/or expression beyond
the culturally defined
behavior and/or expression
associated with one gender,
including, but not limited to,the terms listed here.

As with any language that attempts to succinctly capture the human experience, the usage of theseterms and sense of identity among the transgender and gender non-conforming community varies
widely. Meanwhile, virtually every culture has its own terminology and differing concepts of gender, including who
is considered to be transgender or gender non-conforming.

NOTE ON VICTIM IDENTIFICATION
Violence is often committed against those who do not present in a way that aligns with their genderassigned at birth. Because of this, we track cases involving the transgender community, as well ascases where the individual presented in a gender non-conforming way. Thus, in this report, we use
the phrase “transgender and gender non-conforming” to refer to victims of violence, as it is the most
broad and accurate term we can use without being able to directly ask the victims’ gender identities.
We have taken every effort to ensure our memorials reflect the most accurate depiction of eachindividual’s identity, based on their own words, the accounts of loved ones and the ways in which
they presented themselves and interacted with the world. Sadly, for some cases, there is little
information available.
In several of the stories in this report, law enforcement, media and even loved ones have denied,ignored or intentionally erased victims’ gender identities. Using correct identifiers and pronouns
isn’t just about accuracy – it’s about affording all individuals the respect and dignity that everyone
deserves. Moreover, in order to end anti-transgender violence, we must acknowledge the true
identities of its victims and address the ways in which societal attitudes regarding these identities
may have played a role in their deaths.

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3IN MEMORIAM

2019 DEATHS

In commemoration of Transgender Day of Remembrance, HRC
remembers the lives and mourns the loss of the following individuals:
DANA MARTIN

Montgomery, Alabama
Dana Martin, 31, was a Black transgender woman killed in Montgomery, Alabama, onJanuary 6. Local reports stated that Dana was found in a roadside ditch in her vehicle
with a fatal gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene. No arrests havebeen made and the investigation is ongoing.
Cruz Barnett, Dana’s friend of 12 years, said “she was a very private, sweet
person. Dana didn’t bother nobody, period. Everybody liked Dana and the people that
didn’t like her just didn’t know her. Dana was very quiet and reserved for the most part,very easy to get along with and mild-mannered.” Daroneshia Duncan-Boyd, founder ofTransgender Advocates Knowledgeable Empowering, said “she was a person that was
loved by many.”

JAZZALINE WARE

Memphis, Tennessee

Jazzaline Ware, 34, was a Black transgender woman living in Memphis, Tennessee,
who was found dead in her apartment in March. There is unfortunately very little
publicly available information about her death.
Her friends and family came together to organize a fundraiser for her memorial
and burial. Her sister posted about Jazzaline saying, “I love you forever my sister! RIP
MY LUV!”
Note: Some sources say that this death may have been due to natural causes, howeverat the time of publishing, local and national advocates, including HRC, are still
investigating.

ASHANTI CARMON

Prince George’s County, Maryland
Ashanti Carmon, 27, was a Black transgender woman killed in Prince George’s County,
Maryland, on March 30. She was shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at thescene. An arrest has not yet been made.
“Until I leave this Earth, I’m going to continue on loving her in my heart, body, andsoul,” said Philip Williams, Ashanti’s fiancé. “She did not deserve to leave this Earth soearly, especially in the way that she went out. She did not deserve that.”

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HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATIONCLAIRE LEGATO

Cleveland, Ohio

Claire Legato, 23, was a Black transgender woman who was fatally shot in Clevelandon April 15. Local media reported that Claire was shot after an argument broke out
between her mother and the suspect. She was taken to a nearby hospital and diedfrom her injuries on May 14.
Friends and family took to social media to mourn Claire’s death, remembering her
as someone who was “full of life.”

MUHLAYSIA BOOKER

Dallas, Texas

Muhlaysia Booker, 23, was a Black transgender woman who was fatally shot in Dallas
on May 18. Local media reported that Muhlaysia was found dead near a golf course ineast Dallas, lying face down with a gunshot wound.
One month prior, Muhlaysia had been viciously attacked in what Dallas Mayor
Mike Rawlings described as “mob violence.” After that attack, Muhlaysia had spoken
out courageously against the violence she experienced. Her own words have been reshared across social media in the wake of her death.
Friends, family and advocates across the country also expressed their shock anddisbelief about her attack and murder. “Such a beautiful spirit taken too soon,” wrote
one person. “She lived her life and loved all of who she was.”

MICHELLE “TAMIKA” WASHINGTON

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Michelle “Tamika” Washington, 40, was a Black trasgender woman fatally shot in
Philadelphia on May 19. Law enforcement found Michelle with several gunshot
wounds and transported her to Temple University Hospital where she was pronounced
dead. A suspect was arrested two days later.
Friends and loved ones remembered Michelle, who was also known by the name
Tamika, as a beloved sister and “gay mother.” In a Facebook post, Deja Lynn Alvarez
wrote, “Your memory will live and light will shine on through us.”

PARIS CAMERON

Detroit, Michigan

Paris Cameron, 20, was a Black transgender woman who was among three people
killed in an anti-LGBTQ shooting in a home in Detroit on May 25. Alunte Davis, 21,
and Timothy Blancher, 20, two gay men, were also found dead at the scene. Two othervictims were shot but survived. A suspect has been arrested and charged with three
counts of first-degree murder.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy’s office identified the three victims as
members of the LGBTQ community and alleged that they were targeted based on
their identities. “This case illustrates the mortal danger faced by members of Detroit’s
LGBTQ community, including transgender women of color,” Fair Michigan President
Alanna Maguire said.

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5CHYNAL LINDSEY

Dallas, Texas

Chynal Lindsey, 26, was a Black transgender woman found dead in Dallas on June
1. Chynal’s body was found with “obvious signs of homicidal violence,” according to
Dallas Police. An arrest was made later that month.
Friends, family and community members took to social media to share their shockat her death, describing her as “smiling” and “a person I had never seen mad.”

CHANEL SCURLOCK

Lumberton, North Carolina

Chanel Scurlock, 23, was a Black transgender woman found fatally shot in Lumberton,
North Carolina, on June 6. Robeson County sheriff’s deputies responded to reports ofgunfire and found Chanel’s body in a field. An arrest was made a week later.
“RIP baby,” wrote a friend on Facebook. “You [lived] your life as you wanted. I’m
proud of you for being unapologetically correct about your feelings and expectations ofYOU.”

ZOE SPEARS

Prince George’s County, Maryland
Zoe Spears, 23, was a Black transgender woman killed in Prince George’s County,
Maryland, on June 13. Zoe was found lying in the street with signs of trauma and was
pronounced dead at the scene. An arrest was made in the case in July.
“She was my daughter — very bright and very full of life,” said Ruby Corado,transgender advocate and executive director of Casa Ruby in Washington, D.C. “Casa
Ruby was her home. Right now, we just want her and her friends and the people who
knew her to know that she’s loved.”

BROOKLYN LINDSEY

Kansas City, Missouri

Brooklyn Lindsey, 32, a Black transgender woman, was killed in Kansas City, Missouri,
on June 25. Police found Brooklyn dead on the front porch of an abandoned homeearly that morning. An arrest was made later that July.
Friends and family took to social media to mourn Brooklyn. “I love you, Brooklyn
Lindsey,” wrote one person. “I shall live on for you. Rest in power, sista.”

DENALI BERRIES STUCKEY

North Charleston, South Carolina

Denali Berries Stuckey, 29, a Black transgender woman, was fatally shot on July 20
in North Charleston, South Carolina. She was found lying by the side of a road shortly
after 4 a.m. An arrest was made in the case later that August.
Family and friends took to social media to mourn Denali. “I lost my best friend,
first cousin,” wrote one person. “We were more than cousins. We were like brother andsister. I love you so much, Pooh.”
6

HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATIONTRACY SINGLE

Houston, Texas

Tracy Single, 22, a black transgender woman, was found dead at a gas station in
Houston on July 30. It took nearly two weeks for law enforcement, with the help of
local LGBTQ activists, to identify her. Her boyfriend was later arrested in connection
with the death.
Houston city officials honored Tracy by lighting the City Hall building and bridges
over U.S. Route 59 in the colors of the transgender flag for two nights. “Rest in power
and peace Tracy,” wrote Monica Roberts, a Houston-based transgender advocate.
“You were taken away from us way too soon.”

KIKI FANTROY

Miami, Florida

Kiki Fantroy, 21, a black transgender woman, was found in Miami in the early hours ofJuly 31 after being shot multiple times. She was taken to a nearby hospital where shedied of her injuries. An arrest was made the following month.
Kiki’s mother remembered her as having “a heart of gold” and being “a very loving
person.” She also pleaded for justice in her daughter’s death, saying to reporters, “Mybaby, my baby. Please help bring justice to my baby.”

BUBBA WALKER

Charlotte, North Carolina
Bubba Walker, 55, was a Black transgender woman who was killed in Charlotte, North
Carolina, in late July. Bubba was reported missing on July 26 and her body was foundin the rubble of a house fire a day later. Her death is currently being investigated as a
homicide. No arrests have been made.
Bubba is remembered by friends and family as “a cautious, funny and sometimes
reserved person.” Clarabelle Catlin, a transgender woman who knew Bubba throughthe local transgender community, told the Charlotte Observer that “she was oneof those people who was really fun to be around. She was very kind and she loved
helping people.”

PEBBLES LADIME “DIME” DOE

Allendale County, South Carolina

Pebbles LaDime “Dime” Doe, 24, was a Black transgender woman who was killed on
August 4 in Allendale County, South Carolina. Pebbles was found dead with gunshot
wounds in a car parked in a driveway. Further details have not been released about thecase as the investigation is ongoing.
Pebbles’ friends and family remembered her on social media as having a “bright
personality,” being someone who “showed love,” and was “the best to be around.”Another friend wrote, “If I knew Friday was my last time seeing you, I would havehugged you even tighter.”

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7JORDAN COFER

Dayton, Ohio

Jordan Cofer, 22, a transgender man who was among the nine victims killed in a mass
shooting in Dayton, Ohio, on August 4. The shooting suspect is Cofer’s sibling.
Jordan, who is remembered by friends as “extremely bright” and “well-liked,”appears to have been out to a handful of close friends, including one who said, “He
identified with he/him pronouns to people he trusted and knew would support him.
Jordan was probably one of the sweetest people you would ever meet, a true saint ...
He tried to give the best to everyone.”

BAILEY REEVES

Baltimore, Maryland

Bailey Reeves, 17, was a Black transgender woman found late on September 2 inBaltimore after being shot multiple times. She was taken to a nearby hospital where
she died of her injuries. An arrest has not yet been made.
“She was a person who lived her life to the fullest,” said her brother Thomas
Reeves. Anneke “Pee Wee” Corbitt, a friend of Bailey’s, sobbed into the arms of
Bailey’s brother and other friends at the vigil. “Not many people in our community get
this kind of respect,” Corbitt said.

BEE LOVE SLATER

Clewiston, Florida

Bee Love Slater, 23, was a Black transgender woman found burned in a vehicle inClewiston, Florida, on September 4. An arrest was made later that month.
Bee Love is remembered by loved ones as someone “with a really, really sweetheart” who “never harmed anyone.”“Bee Love was loved by many family, friends and neighbors,” her funeral home
wrote in a Facebook statement.

JAMAGIO JAMAR BERRYMAN (sometimes went by Ja’leyah-Jamar)

Kansas City, Kansas

Jamagio Jamar Berryman, who also sometimes went by Ja’leyah-Jamar, was a 30-yearold Black LGBTQ person who was killed in Kansas City, Kansas, on September 13.
Reports vary regarding Jamagio’s gender identity and pronouns. While initialreports suggested Jamagio was transgender, local advocates reported that Jamagio
did not identify as transgender, used “he/him” pronouns consistent with being
assigned male at birth and was gender non-conforming in expression.
Local activists and community members joined family and friends at a vigil, andloved ones took to social media to mourn Jamagio. A cousin posted, “Ja’leyah-Jamar
didn’t ask for this life… God made us to live and love and to grow…”

8

HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATIONITALI MARLOWE

Houston, Texas

Itali Marlowe, 29, was a Black transgender woman who was killed in Houston on
September 20. Police found Itali in a driveway with multiple gunshot wounds. She wastransported to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead. A suspect wasarrested the following month.
“Rest in Power, Itali,” said transgender activist Monica Roberts. “We won’t rest until
this perpetrator is caught, prosecuted and incarcerated for your murder.”BRIANNA “BB” HILL

Kansas City, Missouri

Brianna “BB” Hill, who also spelled her name as Breonna Be’Be Hill, was a 30-yearold Black transgender woman who was killed in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 14.
Brianna was shot by a man who is currently in custody.
Brianna was a beloved member of her community, a fan of the Kansas City
football team and loved spreading joy by sharing funny videos on her Facebook page.

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9OTHER DEATHS IN 2019
HRC is deeply concerned about two other fatal incidents in 2019 that we are following
closely. For both of these individuals, HRC calls for further investigation into thecauses of their deaths, including whether discriminatory bias toward transgenderpeople played a motivating factor.

JOHANA “JOA” MEDINAEl Paso, Texas

Johana Medina, 25, was a Latinx transgender woman who died at a hospital in El Paso,
Texas, on June 1, just hours after being released from U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE) custody. She suffered severe health complications that went
untreated while she was in detention. Her exact cause of death is not yet known. Her
family filed a wrongful death and personal injury claim against ICE and the Departmentof Homeland Security.
LGBTQ immigrants are detained twice as long as other immigrants and also facelengthy stays in solitary confinement despite ICE regulations that stipulate its use asa last resort. ICE also reported that LGBTQ people accounted for less than 1% of
the people detained by ICE in 2017, but made up 12% of reported sexual assault andabuse cases.
Johana dreamed of coming to the U.S. to become certified as a nurse, since she
was unable to practice as a transgender woman in her home country.

LAYLEEN CUBILETTE-POLANCONew York, New York

Layleen Cubilette-Polanco, 27, was an AfroLatinx transgender woman found dead in asolitary confinement cell at Riker’s Island in New York City on June 7. In their autopsy
report, the medical examiner’s office said that Layleen died from “sudden unexplained
death in epilepsy (SUDEP).”“Today we also received documentary confirmation that Layleen’s epilepsy waswell known to [the Department of Corrections], and she suffered multiple seizures
on Riker’s,” tweeted the law firm representing her. “On 5/30, a jail doctor approved
her placement in punitive segregation, despite her epilepsy. That became her death
warrant.” She was being held on $500 bail for two misdemeanor charges.
Layleen was also known as Layleen Xtravaganza, and was a member of theHouse of Xtravaganza ballroom community. Indya Moore, the star of FX’s Pose anda fellow member of the house of Xtravaganza said on Instagram, “I knew Layleen
growing up. I remember desiring to be beautiful like her. She was cool, and funnytoo, like all of us she had dreams of escaping poverty and the misery of social
ostracization.”

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HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATIONUPDATE ON 2018 DEATHSThis is the fifth year HRC Foundation has published a report tracking fatal violenceagainst transgender people in the U.S. The following two transgender women were
killed following the publishing of the 2018 report. When including these deaths, thefinal count of known transgender and gender non-conforming victims of fatal violencein 2018 rises to 27, 23 (85%) of whom were transgender women of color.
TYDI DANSBURY

Baltimore, Maryland

Tydi Dansbury, 37, was a Black transgender woman fatally shot in Baltimore on
November 26, 2018. Tydi was found with gunshot wounds and rushed to a local
hospital in grave condition. She died two days later from her wounds. At this time, anarrest still has not been made.
“This is a tragedy beyond words or understanding. Our community is heartbroken,”said Merrick Moses, a transgender advocate in Baltimore. “As we enter this holiday
season and so many of us have struggles with our families of origin, this especiallycuts deep, because our community is our family -- chosen family. We mourn along with
her loved ones.”

KEANNA MATTEL (also went by Kelly Stough)Detroit, Michigan

Keanna Mattel, 35, was a Black transgender woman killed in Detroit on December 7,
2018. Police found Keanna, who also went by the name Kelly Stough, dead of a gunshot
wound in her neighborhood. LGBTQ advocates suggested that Keanna may have been
specifically targeted. A suspect is currently in custody awaiting trial for murder.
Keanna’s friends posted on social media, noting that she was “a sweet, caring
individual” and “a beautiful spirit” who was “loved.” Another friend posted that she had
a “beautiful bold personality” and was like a mother to her. Friends also posted videos
remembering Keanna was an active member in Detroit’s ballroom scene, calling her “asweetheart and beautiful character and personality.”

REGINA DENISE BROWN

Orangeburg, South Carolina

Regina Denise Brown, 53, was a Black transgender woman killed in Orangeburg,
South Carolina on October 10, 2018. Firefighters found Regina after her home wasset on fire. Investigators initially charged a suspect with second-degree arson andgrand larceny after officials allege he “willfully and maliciously set fire” to Regina’s
home, and later charged him with murder after he confessed to killing Regina during aphysical altercation.
Before Regina’s untimely death, she worked as a licensed cosmetologist. “[Regina]
always was smiling and happy,” said someone close to Regina. “She always gave
encouragement to the younger trans women always highlighting our best features andstrong traits. Just an all around great lady with a big heart.”
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION

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THE STATISTICS
Since January 2013, the HRC Foundation and other advocates have recorded at least
157 transgender and gender non-conforming individuals who were victims of fatal
violence in the U.S.
This section details statistics calculated over the pastseven years. It is divided into four parts: first, a general
overview of demographic data, such as race, gender andgeography; second, data about U.S. laws and policies,
analyzing the effects of hate crimes laws and nondiscrimination protections; third, safety data, exploringcause of death, gun violence and sex work data; andfinally, reporting and enforcement data, exploring data
about arrests, hate crimes and reporting misgendering.
Throughout this section, we say “at least” for moststatistics. This is because we recognize that most data
likely undercount and fail to capture the lived experiencesof several victims for whom we have very little information.
Unfortunately, tracking and researching these risk factors

among victims is limited by information reported by the
media or available elsewhere online (e.g., on social media
or other accounts by loved ones).
While scientific studies are extremely useful for providing
evidence and confirming trends, they also often confirm
what many advocates on the ground already know. It is
important to remember that this analysis is not exhaustive
nor definitive, but simply provides a snapshot into thelandscape of fatal anti-transgender violence. That being
said, this data provides us with one of many useful tools
in fighting for justice for transgender and gender nonconforming people across the U.S. and combatting
violence against them.

DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
Fatal anti-transgender violence disproportionately affects transgender women, peopleof color, young people and people in the South.
At least 127 victims of anti-transgender fatal violence since 2013 were transgenderwomen of color (81%). Black transgender women were critically impacted, representing
71% of all known victims since 2013, and all but two of the 22 known victims in 2019.

GENDER
In the past seven years of data, we have found that nearly 9 in 10 victims were transgender women. Since 2013, atleast 137 transgender women were victims of fatal violence, as well as:

•
•
•
•
•

12

Eight transgender men,
Two drag queens,
One non-binary person,
One Two-Spirit person, andEight other people who were otherwise gender non-conforming.

HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION

Information about victims’ gender identities was carefully gathered using the widest array of sources possible, which often
included social media, testimonies by friends and families and the guidance of community leaders. However, because
victims were unable to directly express their genders to us, our analysis is likely operating within a margin of error.

RACE
Anti-transgender fatal violence disproportionately affects people of color. Since 2013, at least 139 (89%) victims of antitransgender violence were people of color, including:

•
•
•
•

One hundred and twenty-two Black and African-American people,
Fifteen Latinx people,
One multiracial person, andOne Native American person.

AGE
Since 2013, the majority of victims of fatal anti-transgender violence were under 30, and more than three-fourths were
under 35.

MOST VICTIMS TO FATAL ANTI-TRANS VIOLENCE ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 35
40%

28%

30%

24%
17%

20%

10%

8%

8%
4%

4%

5%
1%

1%

56-65

66-70

0%

16-20

21-25

26-30

31-35

36-40

41-45

46-50

51-55

HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION

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GEOGRAPHY
Since 2013, the majority of fatal violence against transgender and gender non-conforming people has taken place in theSouth. The proportion of deaths that took place in the South is outsized when considering the population of each region.
While the South holds 38% of the U.S. population and 35% of the U.S. adult LGBTQ population, 58% of fatal antitransgender violence since 2013 has taken place there.

PERCENT OF FATAL ANTI-TRANS VIOLENCE BY CENSUS REGION (2013 – 2019)NORTHEAST
9%MIDWEST
22%

SOUTH
58%

WEST
11%

U.S. POPULATION BY REGION IN 2018

NORTHEAST
17%

MIDWEST
21%

WEST
24%

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HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION

SOUTH
38%

Source: U.S. Census

U.S. LGBTQ ADULT POPULATION IN 2018

NORTHEAST
19%

MIDWEST
19%

SOUTH
35%

WEST
27%

source: LGBTQ MAPS

Half (51%) of the cases of fatal anti-transgender violence over the past seven years took place in just six states: Florida,
Texas, Louisiana, California, Ohio and Maryland. About 25% of all cases occurred in one of seven cities, each of which
has had at least five deaths.

STATES WITH THE MOST INSTANCES OF FATAL ANTI-TRANS VIOLENCE (2013 – 2019)20

NUMBER OF DEATHS

16

16

15

13

12

12

CALIFORNIA

OHIO

11

10

5

0

FLORIDATEXASLOUISIANA

MARYLANDHUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION

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CITIES WITH THE MOST INSTANCES OF FATALANTI-TRANS VIOLENCE (2013–2019)
8

7

NUMBER OF DEATHS

6

6

6

5

5

5

5

ATLANTADETROITJACKSONVILLELOS ANGELES

420
BALTIMORE

CLEVELANDPHILIDELPHIA

90%

The vast majority (90%) of deaths since 2013 occurred in areas that had a poverty rate above the2018 U.S. average of 11.8%.

of deaths since 2013
occurred in areas that had
a poverty rate above the2018 U.S. average (11.8%)

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HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATIONLAW & POLICY DATA
Non-discrimination, anti-violence and hate crimes legislation can play a pivotal rolein safeguarding transgender and gender non-conforming people from discriminationand violence, and help ensure proper reporting and prosecution. Below is a summaryof statistics related to existing laws in jurisdictions where anti-transgender fatalities
have occurred.

HATE CRIMES PROTECTIONSThe Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate
Crimes Prevention Act plays a vital role in deterringhate-motivated violence and providing recourse forvictims of these crimes and their families. While thisfederal law explicitly covers gender identity, it only
permits the federal government to prosecute in selectcircumstances. The vast majority of hate crimes areinvestigated and prosecuted at the state level, thus,states must also enact LGBTQ-inclusive hate crimes
laws close gaps in their current laws.

As of October 2019, only 20 states and Washington, D.C.
have laws that address hate or bias crimes based on sexual
orientation and gender identity.
82% of victims of fatal anti-transgender violence since2013 were killed in states without gender identityinclusive hate crimes protections in place at their time ofdeath. This number greatly underscores the need to enact
such protections.

VICTIM WAS IN A STATE WITH GENDER IDENTITY INCLUSIVEHATE CRIMES PROTECTIONS AT THE TIME OF DEATH (2013 – 2019)

YES
18%

NO
82%

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NON-DISCRIMINATION PROTECTIONSTransgender and gender non-conforming people facedevastating levels of discrimination. Something thatis especially prevalent when transgender and gender
non-conforming people are trying to attain employment,
housing and public accommodations.

for gender identity that were not comprehsensive but still
existed in some form were coded as “non-comprehensive.”
Locations with no explicit housing, employment or public
accommodations protections for gender identity at any
level were coded as “no protections.”

With limited access to workplaces, housing, and public
accommodations that are guaranteed to be affirming
and inclusive, transgender and gender non-conforming
people are put at greater risk for poverty, homelessness
and involvement with criminalized work. Together, thesefactors put transgender and gender non-conforming
people at an increased risk of violence and danger.

More than half of the victims of anti-transgenderviolence since 2013 were killed somewhere without
adequate non-discrimination protections forgender identity. 30% of the victims died in areas with no
explicit non-discrimination protections for gender identity
at any jurisdictional level, while 25% of the victims died inareas that had explicit protections for gender identity thatwere not comprehensive.

HRC Foundation compiled data on non-discrimination
protections for gender identity at the city, county andstate level for the location of death of each victim of fatalanti-transgender violence from 2013-2019. Locations with
explicit comprehensive housing, employment and public
accommodations protections for gender identity of thesethree jurisdictional levels were coded as “comprehensive.”
Locations with explicit housing, employment and/or
public accommodations non-discrimination protections

Additionally, only seven (4%) of the victims were killedin states with comprehensive non-discrimination
protections for gender identity at the state level. A lack ofcomprehensive state-wide protections not only leaves alarge number of people unprotected from discrimination,
but also leaves a gap for anti-transgender legislation to bepushed.

NON-DISCRIMINATION PROTECTIONS IN PLACES OF FATALANTI-TRANS VIOLENCE (2013–2019)NONCOMPREHENSIVE
25%

LOVINGCOMPREHENSIVE
45%

NO PROTECTIONS
30%

18HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATIONLAWS DECRIMINALIZING SEX WORKIn the face of discrimination and economic barriers,
many transgender and gender non-conforming people
engage in sex work (i.e., the exchange of sex or sex
acts for money or goods) out of survival. Sex work is notwell documented, so it is difficult to calculate the true
proportion of victims engaged in sex work. However, HRC
Foundation estimates that 13-36% of victims of antitransgender violence since 2013 were engaged in sex
work at the time of their death.
In many instances, the criminalization of sex work can
exacerbate the epidemic of violence targeting thetransgender and gender non-conforming community,
particularly transgender women of color. Nearly nine in 10
transgender people engaging in sex work or suspected ofengaging in sex work reported being harassed, attacked,
sexually assaulted or mistreated in some other way bypolice, according to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey.
Out of those who were working in the undergroundeconomy at the time they took the survey, nearly 41%
were physically attacked in the previous year and morethan one-third were sexually assaulted in that same time.
Several jurisdictions in the U.S. have been working todecriminalize sex work. Most recently, the Community
Safety and Health Amendment Act of 2019 wasintroduced in the Washington, D.C., Council. This Act
would eliminate criminal prohibitions and penalties
for consensual sex work and establish a task force torecommend further improvements to public safety, healthand human rights. Decriminalization of sex work is an
important movement to combat anti-transgender violence
because no person should be put at risk of abuse or
violence simply for trying to survive.

PERCENTAGE OF VICTIMS WHO MAY HAVEBEEN ENGAGED IN SEX WORK (2013 – 2019)

AT LEAST

13–36%of victims may have been
engaged in sex work

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OTHER IMPORTANT PROTECTIONS
Violence Against Women Act
The Violence Against Women Act is also pivotal to protecting transgenderand gender non-conforming people. This legislation, signed into law 25
years ago, has helped reduce domestic violence and sexual assault andhas provided victims and survivors critical lifeline services. Since 2013, thelaw expressly prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation andgender identity, making it easier for LGBTQ people to receive services.
Equality Act
Despite significant steps forward, LGBTQ Americans lack basic explicit
non-discrimination protections in states across the country. The patchwork
nature of current laws leaves millions of people subject to uncertainty andpotential discrimination that impacts their safety, their families and their
day-to-day lives. The Equality Act would provide consistent and explicit
non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people across key areas oflife, including employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces andservices, federally funded programs and jury service.
The Equality Act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives in June 2019.
In order to become law, it must next pass in the U.S. Senate.
LGBTQ Panic Defense
In the vast majority of states, there are no laws expressly banning
perpetrators of violent crimes from asserting the victim’s sexual orientation orgender identity as a so-called “panic defense.” This “panic defense” allows
a criminal defendant to argue in court that their discovery of the victim’s
sexual orientation or gender identity caused the defendant’s violent reaction,
potentially leading to a reduced charge or sentence. When used in a caseof violence against a transgender or gender non-conforming person, this isoften colloquially called a “trans panic defense.” Thankfully, in recent years
a number of states have enacted bans, including California, Illinois, Rhode
Island, Nevada, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine and New York. The passage
of such legislation will help to end the legitimization of violence against
transgender and gender non-conforming people and ensure that victims
obtain equal justice.

20

HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATIONSAFETY DATA
Half of transgender and gender non-conforming people killed since 2013 have been
killed by someone they knew. Nearly two-thirds of these deaths involved a firearm.
RELATIONSHIP TO KILLER
At least 49% of transgender and gender non-conforming people killed as a result of fatal violence in 2019 were killed byan acquaintace, friend, family member or intimate partner. Unfortunately, the relationship of the victim to the killer is still
unknown in nearly one-third of all known cases.

RELATIONSHIP OF VICTIM TO PERPETRATOR OF ANTI-TRANS VIOLENCE
40%

32%
27%

30%

20%

15%

14%
7%

10%

3%

1%
W

N

T.
V

C

K
N

U

.S

.F

ED

U

L
A
ER

IL
Y
M

N

G

O

O

LI
O
P

N
IE
FR

E

D

N
N
N

O

K

FA

V
IP

W
O

E
A
C

Q

U

A

IN

TA

N

C

0%

GUN VIOLENCE
Since 2013, nearly two-thirds of all fatal violence toward transgender and gender non-conforming people involved a firearm.

FATAL ANTI-TRANSGENDER VIOLENCE INVOLVING A FIREARM (2013 – 2019)UNKNOWN
3%

YES
65%

NO
32%

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REPORTING & ENFORCEMENT DATA
While fatal anti-transgender violence is prevalent, it is consistently reported
inaccurately and insufficiently. Victims are consistently misgendered, and crimes
against them are consistently underreported.
MISGENDERING
Far too many transgender and gender non-conforming victims of fatal violence are misgendered after death. Since 2013,at least 80% of all victims have been clearly misgendered by the media or by law enforcement.
While this misgendering is extremely disrespectful, it also impedes investigations and data collection. It is imperative thatmedia and law enforcement work to treat victims of anti-transgender violence with the dignity and respect they deserve.

MISGENDERED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AND/OR MEDIA (2013 – 2019)UNKNOWN
2%
YES
80%

NO
18%

HATE CRIMES REPORTING
Although many crimes may indeed be hate crimes, few are actually pursued as hate crimes through the U.S.
criminal justice system. Thus, many hate crimes are not reported or pursued as such.
Of the 157 cases of fatal anti-transgender violence tracked since 2013, we can only confirm that nine (6%) havebeen investigated as hate crimes. However, advocates suspect that many more were indeed motivated by hate orbias toward the transgender and gender non-conforming community.

HATE CRIMES INVESTIGATION OF FATAL ANTI-TRANS VIOLENCE (2013 – 2019)
INVESTIGATEDAS HATE CRIME
6%NOT A HATE CRIME
13%
UNKNOWN
58%
POSSIBLE/LIKELYINVESTIGATEDAS HATE CRIME
23%

22

HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATIONNeither state nor municipal law enforcement agencies are
required by federal law to report hate crimes data to theFederal Bureau of Investigation. Therefore, hate crimes
data reported by the FBI are widely believed to be evenfurther underreported.
At the time of publishing, hate crimes data were only
available from the FBI through 2017. There were sevencases of fatal violence against transgender and gender
non-conforming people tracked by HRC Foundation thatwere investigated as hate crimes from 2013-2019. None
were reported by state or local authorities to the FBI.

••

Four jurisdictions reported zero hatecrimes based on gender identity in theyear in which the crime occurred.
Three jurisdictions did not report hatecrimes data to the FBI for the year inwhich the crime occurred.

Of the 26 cases of fatal violence against transgenderand gender non-conforming people where the available
evidence suggests it is likely that the death was the resultof a hate crime, only four jurisdictions reported a hatecrime on the basis of gender identity for the year in which
the violence occured.

••

16 jurisdictions reported zero hatecrimes based on gender identity inthe year in which the likely hate crime
occurred.
Six jurisdictions did not report any hatecrimes data to the FBI for the year inwhich the likely hate crime occurred.

One effective way of ensuring more accurate
identification, investigation and reporting of hate crimes
against transgender and gender non-conforming people is
to mandate hate crimes data reporting for all jurisdictions.
This would provide a more complete picture of hatebased violence in the U.S. and allow for targeted efforts

to address areas with high levels of hate crimes. Until
reporting hate crimes is mandatory under federal law,police departments must take every step possible toensure that their hate crimes data is transmitted to the
FBI accurately and on time. These actions are imperative
to the larger law enforcement community’s ability toaccurately gauge the scope of bias-motivated crimes andeffectively address them.

ARRESTS
The arrest rate for cases of fatal anti-transgender violence
tracked by HRC Foundation is 62%. There have been 97
known arrests resulting from the 157 documented cases.

As a society, we must work harder
to make sure that anti-transgenderviolence is reported and adequately
prosecuted. Many transgender andgender non-conforming people,
especially transgender people of color,
avoid interaction with law enforcement
because they fear harassment,
intimidation, incarceration or violence by
law enforcement — leaving transgenderand gender non-conforming victims
of crime without the legal recourseand protections they critically need. In
addition, the victimization of many moretransgender and gender non-conforming
people likely goes unreported by law
enforcement and uncovered by media.
We must work together as a community
to better improve conditions so thattransgender and gender non-conforming
people across the United States feel
protected, secure and safe.

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23

WHAT WE CAN DO
It’s not enough to grieve the loss of victims of antitransgender violence. We must honor their memories
with action. In the following section, we provide clear
ways that each of us, no matter who we are, canmake our society a safer place for transgender andgender non-conforming people.

24 HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION
24

WHAT LEADS TO ANTI-TRANSGENDER VIOLENCE?
Since 2013, HRC and otheradvocates have tracked
more than 157 cases ofanti-transgender fatal
violence across 32 states
and 98 cities nationwide.
Although each case isunique in its circumstances,
we know this epidemic
disproportionately
impacts Blacktransgender women,
who comprise 71% of
all victims of fatal antitransgender violence.

THE DEHUMANIZATION
OF TRANSGENDERPEOPLE BEGINS WITH

ANTI-TRANS STIGMA
Lack of Family
Acceptance

Hostile Political
ClimateALL OF THESE ISSUESARE INTERTWINED WITHAND EXACERBATED BYRACISM AND
SEXISM

Cultural Marginalization& Invisibility

DENIAL OF
OPPORTUNITYPREVENTS FULLPARTICIPATION IN SOCIETY

HIGHER RATES OF RISKFACTORS REINFORCESTIGMA AND FALSENARRATIVES ABOUT
TRANSGENDER PEOPLE

Setbacks in
Education

Employment
Discrimination

Barriers for Immigrants,
Refugees & Asylum
Seekers
Unequal Policing& Criminal
Justice System

Exclusion from
Health Care &Social Services
Barriers
to Legal
Identification

INCREASEDRISK FACTORSIntimate Partner
Violence & Sexual
Assault
Engagement inSurvival Sex
Work

Poverty &Homelessness

Physical & Mental
Health Disparities

HIGHER RISK OF VIOLENCE
Ending this epidemic requires addressing and eliminating anti-transgender stigma and discrimination
across all facets of society and embracing people of all genders for who they are.
Read the following sections to learn how you can take action to help end the violence.
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25HOW CAN YOU HELP?
ELIMINATE ANTI-TRANSGENDERSTIGMA
Transgender and gender non-binary people face stigma
surrounding who they are from an early age. Often rooted
in ignorance, inaccurate beliefs and sometimes politicallymotivated attacks on transgender and non-binary
identities, this stigma erects barriers in virtually every facetof life, denying transgender and non-binary people theequal opportunity to succeed and be accepted for who
they are. Moreover, anti-transgender stigma can have longterm impacts on mental health and affect their economic
and housing stability, especially if they experience familial
rejection and isolation from social support systems. Hereare a few actions you can take to help eliminate antitransgender stigma.
Educate your friends, family and community abouttransgender and non-binary inclusion.
Amplify your voice as an ally to educate others about
multifaceted forms of discrimination and violence
that transgender and gender non-conforming people
face in the U.S. Dispute harmful rhetoric that seeks todehumanize transgender and non-binary people, andeducate those who are not informed of the many barriers
transgender and non-binary people experience. Advocate
for the recognition of transgender and non-binary people
as equal members of our society deserving of the samelevel of dignity, respect, representation and opportunity
as every other member of our society. Moreover, by using
your voice to support transgender and non-binary people,
you can help improve family acceptance of transgenderand gender-expansive youth, as lack of information andfear of the unknown may lead many people to initiallyreject or deny their family members.
Support and elevate transgender andnon-binary voices.
Support artists, athletes, activists, political leaders andother transgender public figures who are sharing theirstories and lived experiences. Uplift these individuals by
elevating their projects and sharing their work among yourpersonal network and communities. We must also ensurethat transgender and non-binary voices have a seat at thetable where decisions are being made that impact theircommunities. Raise the profile of transgender and nonbinary leaders in your communities, elevate their concerns
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HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION

and support their work. In addition, more and moretransgender and non-binary people are running for elected
offices — working on their campaigns and supporting
other pro-equality elected officials who are committed toaddressing anti-transgender violence is imperative.

CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FULLPARTICIPATION IN SOCIETY
Discriminatory and unjust barriers deprive transgenderand non-binary people the right to full and equal
participation in society. Whether formalized through law
or policy, or upheld due to cultural misconceptions about
gender, these systemic barriers must be abolished inorder to end the marginalization and consequent risk ofviolence transgender and gender non-conforming people
face in their daily lives. Here are a few things you can dohelp create opportunities for transgender and non-binary
people across the United States.
Support expansion of non-discrimination and hatecrimes prevention laws.
Only 20 states and Washington, D.C. explicitly prohibit
discrimination in employment, housing, and places ofpublic accommodation based on gender identity andsexual orientation. Voice your support for legislation atfederal, state and local levels, including for the Equality
Act, and encourage elected officials in your community toenact comprehensive non-discrimination laws.
Only 20 states and Washington, D.C. have lawsthat address hate crimes based on gender identity. We
must advocate for all states to enact inclusive hate crimes
prevention laws. We must also push our elected officials
to support mandatory reporting by local, state and federal
authorities to relevant data collection agencies at the
local, state and federal level.

Combat misinformation about transgender andnon-binary people in schools and advocate fortransgender- and non-binary-inclusive laws andpolicies in education.
According to HRC Foundation’s Gender-Expansive Youth
Report, 84% of transgender and gender-expansive youth
do not always feel safe in the classroom. In addition,
only 15 states and the District of Columbia have lawsthat prohibit discrimination against transgender andgender non-conforming students. You can work inyour communtiy to establish transgender- and genderexpansive-inclusive training in schools, as transgenderand gender-expansive youth must be supported andaffirmed in educational settings to fully thrive as students
and as future leaders. In addition, you can work withyour local school board or elected officials to establish
school district policies, state department of education
requirements and laws to protect transgender andgender-expansive students.
Expand and protect health care coverage fortransgender and non-binary people.
Fifty-five percent of transgender people report that theirinsurance denies them medically necessary transitionrelated surgery, while 1 in 4 report that they weredenied coverage for hormone therapy. Advocate forhealth plans at your workplace that include necessarytransition-related care. In addition, health care and social
work professionals must increase their skills to offer
welcoming, inclusive and up-to-date services, which
includes abiding by the National Association of Social
Workers Code of Ethics and the LGBTQ-inclusive policy
recommendations already published by the American
Medical Association.

WE NEED MORE DATA ON
TRANSGENDER AND GENDER NONCONFORMING PEOPLE.
State and federal officials have failed thetransgender and non-binary community
when it comes to ensuring equal treatment
in government data collection efforts. Whilesome federal and state data collection efforts
include metrics on gender identity, moststate and federal data collection efforts fail toobtain this data. Measures are also omitted
from the country’s largest demographic datacollection endeavors such as the decennial
U.S. Census. Municipalities, states and thefederal government can and should promulgate
policies that require their respective datacollection undertakings to be fully inclusive ofthe transgender and non-binary community.

Ensure local law enforcement are able to create
safe communities for transgender and non-binary
people.
Encourage local law enforcement agencies to designate
an LGBTQ police liaison and enact policies that ensure
respectful, culturally competent and non-discriminatoryinteractions with transgender and non-binary people. In
addition, law enforcement agencies should hold regularmandatory trainings on these policies and offer tools sothat officers can better understand the unique challenges
that transgender and non-binary people may face in theircommunities. Advocate for federally mandating hatecrimes data reporting for local jurisdictions.
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27

REDUCE RISK FACTORS
Although every tragic case is unique, many victims ofanti-transgender violence share common experiences that
put them at a higher risk. Women of color, who must also
contend with racism and sexism prevalent in our society,are even further impacted by these issues. Some people
use inaccurate statistics and research to erroneously(or maliciously) blame victims for their plight. Instead, weknow that both stigma and the denial of opportunity they
face from an early age are responsible. We must ensurethat everyone in our society has an equal opportunity tosucceed. Here are a few substantial actions you can taketo help reduce risk factors for violence against transgenderand gender non-conforming people in the U.S.
Ensure that transgender and gender nonconforming working people have a pathway toeconomic stability.
The unemployment rate among transgender people isthree times higher than that of the general population.
In addition, approximately 30% of transgender
employees report having been fired, denied a promotion
or experiencing another form of mistreatment in theworkplace due to their gender identity or expression. We
must provide avenues for transgender and non-binary
people to obtain the education, training and skills that far
too many have been denied due to systemic barriers.
We must provide transgender- and non-binary-inclusive
career fairs, mentorship, networking opportunities andcareer coaching for transgender and non-binary workers
and raise awareness about their rights as employees. In
addition, encourage your employer to establish internal nondiscrimination policies that fully include transgender andnon-binary colleagues, including providing transgender andnon-binary inclusive health benefits, cultural competency
training and expanded recruiting and hiring practices.
Decriminalize sex work and provide additional
resources and support to people who engage
in sex work.
Denial of opportunities across the board lead manytransgender and gender non-conforming people to resort
to the underground economy for survival. We must create
spaces where people who engage in sex work can receive
judgment-free care, support and resources, especially as
we look to resolve the higher rates of health disparities
and violence they face.
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HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION

In addition, the criminalization of sex work directly
impacts already strained interactions with and trust oflaw enforcement. 86% of transgender people who haveengaged in sex work report being mistreated by police
officers. Meanwhile, one-third of Black transgenderwomen who have interacted with law enforcement in thepast year report that officers assumed they were sex
workers.
We must educate policy makers on how thecriminalization of sex work contributes to a higher riskof violence for transgender and gender non-conforming
people. Additionally, we must hold law enforcement
agencies accountable to equally serving transgender andnon-binary individuals regardless of their engagement insex work.
Demand transgender- and non-binary-inclusive
resources for low-income individuals andindividuals experiencing homelessness.
Nearly one in five transgender people reports negative
treatment in a public assistance or government benefits
office. In addition, more than one in four of transgenderpeople who have experienced homelessness avoided
shelters out of fear of mistreatment. These resources,
designed to assist individuals in escaping poverty, need
to be accommodating and knowledgeable of the uniquechallenges transgender and non-binary people face while
experiencing poverty and homelessness.
Protect transgender and non-binary people from
intimate partner violence.
Intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault canhave a devastating impact on any person, but transgenderpeople face elevated risks and challenges to care andjustice. It is important to learn the signs of the common
types of abuse transgender people experience. In addition,
we must continue to support the Violence Against Women
Act (VAWA), which since 2013 has expressly phoribited
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation andgender identity, making it easier for LGBTQ survivors of
IPV to access critical lifeline services.

End the transgender panic defense.
The vast majority of states do not have a law expressly
banning perpetrators of violent crimes from asserting
the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity as aso-called “panic” defense. This “panic defense” allows acriminal defendant to argue in court that their discovery of
the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity caused
the defendant’s violent reaction, potentially leading to a
reduced charge or sentence. The passage of legislation
banning this defense will help to end the legitimization ofviolence against transgender and gender non-conforming
people and ensure that victims obtain equal justice.

We can all do our part tosupport transgender and nonbinary community advocatesthroughout the U.S. Transgenderand non-binary people acrossthe country lead communities
and organizations both large
and small, frequently advancing
crucial policies and programs
supporting the transgender andnon-binary community. Yet, thesecommunities and organizations
are yet are often vastly underresourced and under-recognized.
Together — transgender andnon-binary people and cisgender
allies — we can all work
together to uplift and empowertransgender and non-binary
communities across the country
in the fight for lasting change.

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