Trans Day of Remembrance is a day we remember and honor each Trans life lost to violence in the past year. So far in 2024, at least 30 Trans people have been tragically lost to violence—most being Trans people of color, with over half of all lives lost being Black Trans women. We say ‘at least’ because often these stories go misreported, if not unreported altogether.
Two of these lives were violently cut short right here in Washington State. Kenji Spurgeon, a 23-year-old Black Trans woman, was known as a bright light who inspired people to seek joy. Reyna Hernandez, a 54-year-old Latina Trans woman, was known as happy, loving, hard-working, and kind. Both were lost to gun violence, as were most of those lost in our community this year. Reyna’s tragic passing in February, in particular, moved us to share a message—a wish—addressed to all Trans survivors:
“May we never forget that we are worthy of love, respect, and security. May we never feel alone, instead remembering we are part of a larger community and legacy of 2STGD people who have always built our own power and our own futures. May we always remember that there are resources and communities out there ready to offer the support and care we deserve—and that we do deserve it.”
Each one of these people had value. They were friends, family, partners, activists, organizers, artists, and community members. As we reflect on the unique light that each of them brought into the world, equally, we grieve for the dreams, aspirations, and futures taken from each of them.
These losses we suffer each year as a community do not exist in a vacuum. As anti-trans policies increase, so does violence. Legislative attempts to deny Trans people our existence send a clear signal that violence toward us is acceptable. We’ve seen a record number of over 600 anti-trans state and federal bills introduced in 2024 alone. Although most of these bills failed to pass, dozens of state bills have become law this year, targeting gender-affirming care, participation in daily life, and censoring education; on top of the numerous and large-scale looming federal threats on our community from this country’s incoming president.
Still, there is a brighter future for us. We know it because we have lived it—in organizing to keep each other housed and fed; in dreams that come to us from our (Tr)ancestors; and in quick, knowing glances across dancefloors. In the moments we feel tired—maybe of it all—may our memories of those we lost in this fight for our lives give us the strength to keep going. May we honor them, as we honor ourselves, as we honor those of us to come. This is the fight of our lives.
With love,
Gender Justice League