Jayapal, Hirono, Jacobs Announce Resolution To Commemorate Transgender Day Of Remembrance

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Sara Jacobs (CA-51), the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Equality Caucus’ Transgender Equality Task Force, and Senator Mazie Hirono (HI) announced the introduction of a resolution commemorating November 20, 2023, as Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR).

“Every year, dozens of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals are killed in the United States, just for being who they are. We see countless acts of hate and discrimination due to intolerance and ignorance, and the victims of these acts are overwhelmingly young and people of color. But we cannot, and will not, let these forces win,” said Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. “I will never waiver in the effort to ensure that all trans individuals can live without the constant fear of violence and hate. This resolution honors the lives of the trans people we have lost to senseless violence and stands as a symbol of their resilience and our commitment to creating a just and equal society for all. Trans lives matter, and I will always defend everyone’s right to live their full lives as their true, authentic selves.”

“Transgender and gender non-conforming people don’t feel safe in our country. No one should live with this constant fear and anxiety of being targeted because of who they are,” said Congresswoman Sara Jacobs. “Our bicameral resolution sends a strong message to all transgender people that they’re not alone and it honors all the transgender people we’ve lost to senseless, hateful violence. We will keep pushing until all LGBTQ+ people, including the transgender and gender non-conforming communities, feel safe, welcome, respected, and celebrated in our country and around the world.”

“Transgender and gender-nonconforming people, particularly trans women of color, continue to face senseless discrimination and violence throughout the country,” said Senator Mazie Hirono. “This resolution honors the memory of the transgender and gender non-conforming people whose lives were lost in acts of violence and raises awareness of the dangers trans people face today. No one should have to live their lives in fear simply for existing. Trans rights are human rights, and I will continue fighting so people in Hawaii and across the country—regardless of their gender identity—can live their lives freely and authentically.”

“Transgender people, especially transgender people of color, are facing an epidemic of violence,” said Equality Caucus Chair Mark Pocan (WI-02).“Today, we mark Transgender Day of Remembrance and remember all of the lives that have been taken too soon. The work to address violence against transgender people cannot be limited to just one day a year. I am committed to fighting every day for the rights of the transgender community so all transgender people can live their lives free from violence and persecution.”

Following the still-unsolved murder of Rita Hester, a transgender woman of color, Gwendolyn Ann Smith founded TDOR to honor Hester and other transgender people whose lives were lost to violence.

The TDOR resolution memorializes the lives of transgender people lost due to violence in the United States and around the world. Text of the resolution can be found here.

Issues: LGBTQIA+ Rights