Today marks the 16th annual International Trans Day of Remembrance which commemorates and memorialises the lives lost in the course of the year due to transphobia. 

According to reports, 271 trans people have been reported murdered in 29 countries this year, with the most killings taking place in Brazil and Mexico. The new figures mean that a shocking 1,933 trans people have been reported murdered since 2008. 

“These are shocking figures. Trans people across the globe are targeted with violence. Trans women of colour and trans sex workers make up the majority of homicides worldwide,” said TENI Chief Executive Broden Giambrone.

While Ireland has no recorded homicides due to transphobia, violence and discrimination is still prevalent in their lives. In TENI’s Speaking from the Margins report, 20% of trans participants reported experiencing domestic abuse, 16% said they had been hit or beaten up, 12% had been sexually assaulted and 6% had been raped as a direct result of their trans identity.

“Trans people are becoming increasingly visible and vocal, and we are now seeing positive depictions of our diverse community in the media. Nonetheless, it is very clear that many trans individuals still face regular and systematic violence and discrimination which is absolutely unacceptable,” continued Giambrone.

For the past two years, TENI has been running the Stop Transphobia and Discrimination (STAD) campaign. STAD aims to document hate crimes and incidents against trans people in Ireland. Last year alone, TENI received 41 reports of violence, harassment, abuse and discrimination against trans people. 

“We believe this is just the tip of the iceberg. Many trans people will not report these crimes or incidents at all. In our last STAD report we found that 56% did not report the incident to the Gardaí. Not only does this violence need to end but we need to ensure that if it happens, that trans people are supported to report these crimes.”

Join TENI at Trans Day of Remembrance Ceremony on November 21, which includes candle lighting, reflections and songs. This is not only a commemoration but also a celebration of life.

Trans Day of Remembrance Ceremony:
Date: Saturday 21st November
Time: 8 PM
Location: Unitarian Church, 112 St. Stephens Green, Dublin. The map is available here.