Health Department Pays Tribute to Transgender Community on Trans Day of Remembrance: A Message from the Public Health Department

PHILADELPHIA – In honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health has released a statement on the tragic loss of 26 transgender and gender non-conforming individuals in the city in 2023.

Dr. Kathleen Brady, Division of HIV Health Director, said: “We solemnly reflect on the lives lost to violent means, and we stand with the community in both grief and anger as we acknowledge the alarming trend that 88% of these victims were people of color, with 54% identified as Black transgender women.”

The statistics show that 73% of the victims lost their lives to gun violence, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive measures to curb firearm proliferation. Moreover, 47% of victims with a known assailant were killed by a romantic/sexual partner, friend, or family member. This underscores the critical importance of fostering safe and supportive environments within interpersonal relationships.

However, even more heartbreaking is that 50% of the victims were misgendered or deadnamed by authorities or the press. This not only compounds the pain experienced by the trans community but also highlights an unjustice that must be rectified. We must work together to ensure that every individual is respected and treated with dignity regardless of their gender identity.

As we honor Transgender Day of Remembrance, it is crucial that we renew our commitment to advocating for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals’ rights, safety, and well-being. Together we can strive for a world where everyone can live free from discrimination, violence, and prejudice. The Philadelphia Department remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering a community that embraces diversity, inclusivity, and compassion. We call on all citizens to join us in this crucial endeavor towards creating a more just society for all individuals.