The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has issued a statement in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance, reflecting on the lives of 26 transgender and gender non-conforming individuals who were tragically murdered in the city in 2023. Division of HIV Health Director Dr. Kathleen Brady said, “We solemnly reflect on the lives lost and stand together with the community as we grapple with the reality that 88% of these victims were people of color, with 54% identified as Black transgender women. This trend underscores the urgent need for greater awareness, understanding, and action to address the ongoing threats faced by the trans community.”

The statistics show that 73% of these victims lost their lives to gun violence, highlighting the critical importance of comprehensive measures to curb firearms proliferation. Furthermore, 47% of victims with a known assailant were killed by a romantic/sexual partner, friend, or family member. This emphasizes the need for fostering safe and supportive interpersonal relationships.

Sadly, half of the victims were misgendered or deadnamed by authorities or media outlets, causing additional pain and trauma to their loved ones. It is crucial that we work together to rectify this injustice and ensure that every individual deserves dignity and respect regardless of their gender identity.

As we honor Transgender Day of Remembrance, let us renew our commitment to advocating for transgender rights and safety. We must strive for a world where everyone can live without fear or discrimination. The Health Department remains committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community that values compassion and supports all individuals’ well-being. We urge all citizens to join us in this important endeavor towards creating a safer world for all members of our community.