Trans Lives Matter

You run into an article about a transgender person either being killed or brutally attacked by a complete stranger or acquaintances. In most of these cases, they are often misgendered by the media, police statements, and other professions. According to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), 26 transgender people in 2018 have been killed. The majority of whom were black transgender women. This year, the lives of 23 transgender people were lost at the hand of violence. That’s a 1.1 percent decrease from last year, but more needs to be done to protect them from any further attacks.

Ever since Donald Trump took office, he and his administration have put the lives of transgender people at risk, with many of them dying in the process. Many lawmakers in some some states have passed laws discriminating against transgender people. One example would be the passage of HB2 in North Carolina back in March 2016. Known as “The Bathroom Bill,” it requires transgender people to use public and school restrooms corresponding with the sex on their birth certificate. Also, it prevented cities in North Carolina from passing their own non-discrimination laws. The bill quickly received criticism, backlash, and there were protests from LGBT people, groups, activists, and many companies. Many musicians and entertainers cancelled their shows due to HB2, and the 2017 NBA All-Star Game was moved out of Charlotte and instead, took place in New Orleans. North Carolina’s economy took a huge hit after the passage of HB2, losing over $400 million in investments and jobs.

There’s a major election coming in 2020 and it’s important to support candidates who support the LGBT community and laws that protect them from discrimination when it comes to housing, obtaining employment, and other accommodations. Discrimination against a group or minority can be costly and in some cases, deadly. We can’t afford to lose any more people to violence. Taking a stand against discriminatory laws is not only important, but key.

Last week was International Pronouns Day, which was designed to educate everyone that respecting people’s pronouns is important. It’s held annually on the third Wednesday of October. Using pronouns that people prefer to use is a sign of respect and decency. If you’re unsure what pronouns a person prefers, it’s okay to ask. It’s a good way to show support to a friend, confidant, family member, or anyone who identifies as transgender and non-conforming. These pieces of advice should be useful to everyone, including journalists, reporters, doctors, and other professions. Dead or alive, always respect trans people and recognize that they’re people, just like everyone else. They deserve to be treated with respect. Before I end this article, we remember the 23 transgender people who lost their lives, a majority of them were trans people of color and also female:

• Dana Martin
• Ellie Marie Washtock
• Jazzaline Ware
• Ashanti Carmon
• Claire Legato
• Muhlaysia Booker
• Michelle “Tamika” Washington
• Paris Cameron
• Chynal Lindsey
• Johana Medina Leon
• Chanel Scurlock
• Zoe Spears
• Brooklyn Lindsey
• Denali Berries Stuckey
• Tracy Single
• Kiki Fantroy
• Pebbles LaDime Doe
• Jordan Cofer
• Bailey Reeves
• Bee Love Slater
• Elisha Chanel Stanley
• Itali Marlowe
• Brianna “BB” Hill

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