This month I am thinking about Roxanne, Tony and Layleen. Their stories emphasize the desperate need to include transgender people of color in the work of racial justice. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people continue to face discrimination in their daily lives. But, violence against Black trans people is not often included in the Black Lives Matter movement narrative. Violence in the trans community has been rising over the last few years. Last year alone, 44 transgender or gender non-conforming people were killed in the U.S.—most of whom were Black and Latinx transgender women. The New York Times last fall reported that the American Medical Association declared the killing of transgender women of color an “epidemic.”
Coupled with the violence experienced by Black trans people, this year alone over 100 anti-transgender bills have been introduced in state legislation. Our commitment and action for racial equity is inseperable from support and advocacy of LGBTQ rights. Here are three things you can do today to increase your understanding and to support Black trans lives.
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Include LGBTQ in your anti-racism education: Start with the LGBTQ Pride: From Origins to Evolution Teach-Out on Michigan Online developed by the Spectrum Center.
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Include LGBTQ in your giving: Donate to Black trans organizations.
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Include LGBTQ in your advocacy: Track legislation affecting LGBTQ rights and write/call your local legislators accordingly.
We can and must do better knowing the discrimination and violence Black trans people face on a daily basis. We can do better in caring for the members of the Black trans community and ensure they are not erased or forgotten.
Published: June 2021
Author: Angie Stewart
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program Lead and Facilitator Engagement Program Manager
Organizational Learning