2021 was the deadliest year on record for our transgender siblings, and 2022 has already seen 32 reported murders of our trans siblings.

We have to do better.

While so much progress has been made in the fight for broad LGBTQ protections here in Washington, it is important for our non-trans community to understand that legal protections for trans folks are further out of reach and the lived trans experience does not yet match the legislative goals our state has so far enshrined into law.

Our trans community siblings face higher rates of discrimination in the education system, employment, health care, direct service access, public accommodation, treatment by law enforcement, and more. Visibility and policy revisions alone aren’t the answer. As we reimagine our social systems we must understand the power that each of us has in our daily lives to stop trans-hate in its tracks and proactively engage in shaping a safer and more equitable world for our trans siblings.

POCAAN along with The Seattle LGBTQ+ Center, and Pacific Northwest Black Pride will recognize Transgender Day of Remembrance on Tuesday, Nov. 22. We hope you will join us as we mourn and honor the lives and legacy of our trans siblings who were murdered this year. I also hope that you use that time, that day, to pause and reflect on the role that you play within your own schools, institutions of faith, government agencies, companies, small businesses, communities, social groups, sports teams, media outlets, arts and culture groups, friend circles, and families. From there you personally can make an impact toward ending transphobia, create a more equitable life for our trans siblings, save lives, and ensure all of us can live to pursue Justice with Joy.