Δαφνη Ευτυχια Αρθουρος

[Today is the International Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day set aside to remember transgender people who have been victims of violence.]

"Transgender people today face an epidemic of anti-trans violence. Whether it occurs on our streets, in our schools, in our homes, or at the hands of law enforcement or other government officials, staggering levels of violence persist even as trans equality advances. The annual Transgender Day of Remembrance serves as a somber reminder of the losses suffered because of senseless and unjust acts of cruelty against transgender people. Twenty-six percent of respondents in the National Transgender Discrimination Survey have been physically assaulted on at least one occasion because of anti-trans bias. Transgender people of color and transgender women are disproportionately affected, with nearly 3 out of 4 of lethal anti-LGBT hate crimes committed against trans women and girls. Transgender people also experience heightened rates of domestic violence and sexual assault and are frequently re-victimized when they seek help.

"Unfortunately, Law enforcement is as often a part of the problem as it is part of the solution. Half of transgender people report they are uncomfortable seeking police assistance. More than one-fifth (22%) of transgender people who had interacted with police reported police harassment, and 6% of transgender individuals reported that they experienced bias-motivated assault by officers. Black transgender people reported much higher rates of biased harassment and assault (38% and 15%)."

-- National Center for Transgender Equality, 2015-06-29

"Hate crimes affect not only the victims who are targeted and their families, but create fear and instability throughout entire communities." -- HRC President Chad Griffin 2015-11-1

[Also read "Yes, We Still Need a Transgender Day of Remembrance (and Resilience)" by Jay Michaelson.]