"For the past 21 years, November has been the month in which communities across the world mourn those who have died from anti-transgender hate-motivated violence. In 2018, thousands of trans people, allies, organizations, and media have been raising awareness of the injustices of each trans death, as soon as the information is available. Keeping a running count of these tragic losses has resulted in documenting a higher number of murders than we had in the past. It has also meant the trans community has been in a constant state of mourning and rage rather than gathering as a community on one day — November 20 — to grieve and raise awareness together. As a result of the frequent messages about trans murders, many trans people feel not only increasing fear for their own safety, but often a pervasive sense of hopelessness and helplessness, as well. We acknowledge this fear and know how paralyzing and painful it can be.
We also recognize that when communities experience social injustices and stigmatization, it is often difficult to join together to effect the change we want to see. Our anger often turns inward – towards ourselves or towards others in our community. All too often, communities begin to experience increased hostility and impose hierarchies on their own community, making it difficult, if not impossible, for people who have experienced violence or victimization to be heard, believed, and treated with compassion."
