A report titled ‘A National Epidemic: Fatal Anti-Transgender Violence in America in 2018’ was released yesterday that details the level of transphobic violence in the US in 2018, labelling it a “national epidemic.”

It reveals that at least 22 people have died in the US in 2018 due to transphobic violence, and reports that 82% of them were women of colour, 64% were under the age of 35, and 55% lived in the South.

.@HRC’s report explores factors that can contribute to or facilitate fatal anti-trans violence. In many cases, systemic discrimination at the intersection of gender identity & race lead to significant barriers to employment & housing. #TDOR https://t.co/kum286fw38

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) November 20, 2018

“We say ‘at least’ because the stories detailed in this report very likely undercount the number of transgender people who were killed in the United States this year,” the report states.

“Although advocates, bloggers and media groups have elevated this crisis in the past several years, data collection is often incomplete or unreliable when it comes to violent and fatal crimes against transgender people.

“Some victims’ deaths may go unreported, while others may not be identified as transgender in the media, often because authorities, journalists and/or family members refuse to acknowledge their gender identity.”

“In life, each of the individuals memorialized in this report went to extraordinary lengths to live authentically as who they were. In death, we must honour their truth with bravery and action,” the report added.

“We must increase the cultural visibility of transgender people and ensure their full inclusion within all communities.”

The report also revealed some shocking statistics about transgender issues and transphobia in 2018.

According to the report, 21 anti-trans bills have been introduced in 10 States since the beginning of the year. It also found that only 4% of transgender youth are out about their gender identity.

Additionally, the report revealed that 84% of transgender school students often feel unsafe in the classroom, and over half of them refrain from using the restroom in school that aligns with their gender identity.

It also reported that 52% of transgender people who stayed at a shelter in 2018 were verbally harassed, physically attacked and/or sexually assaulted.

HRC President Chad Griffin said: “On Transgender Day of Remembrance, we join together to mourn the lives lost to hate and violence this past year and rededicate ourselves to the urgent action that this epidemic requires.”

“From anti-trans employment and housing discrimination to systemic racism, we must recognize the intersecting factors that influence, motivate and embolden the violence that plagues so many within the transgender community — particularly Black and Latina transgender women.

“White, cisgender men like me have a unique responsibility to support our transgender siblings in combating this violence and join fully in the work to achieve equality for every person in the LGBTQ community,” Griffith added.

The report came ahead of Trans Day Of Remembrance, with people memorialising those who have died due to transphobic violence, and drawing attention to the continued violence and struggle endured by the transgender community.

A demonstration and a memorial ceremony are being held today in Dublin to mark the occasion.