On September 12, a tragic event unfolded in Charlotte, North Carolina, when a young transgender woman of color named Jada Bennett was brutally murdered. At just 26 years old, she became the latest victim in a disturbing trend, marking the 20th transgender person to lose their life in 2017 alone. What is happening, America? This is not the kind of society we should be accepting. Hatred has no place here, and we must adopt a zero-tolerance stance against it—absolutely none.
The Charlotte Observer reported that Jada’s life was taken by 18-year-old local resident Malik Johnson, who was arrested shortly after the incident. This horrendous act occurred just days before Charlotte was set to host the North Carolina Trans Pride 2017, a celebration of the state’s vibrant trans community.
The grim reality is that violence against transgender individuals has become alarmingly frequent in recent years. GLAAD has highlighted that 2015 and 2016 were the deadliest years on record for transgender people, and unfortunately, 2017 appears to be following the same tragic pattern. These individuals are simply trying to exist as their authentic selves, love freely, and navigate life without the constant fear of violence.
As GLAAD points out, the dangers are indeed real: “While some of these homicides have not yet been classified as hate crimes due to insufficient information about the perpetrators or motives, the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs has reported a disturbing trend—transgender women face a heightened risk of death from hate violence compared to any other demographic.” Yes, you read that correctly. Let that sink in. We must not condone transphobia in any form. It’s time to challenge transphobic attitudes among friends, family, and media sources.
Even more alarming is the fact that a significant number of these victims are women of color. “Victims of anti-transgender violence are predominantly transgender women of color, who face the perilous intersections of transphobia, racism, sexism, and criminalization, resulting in disproportionately high rates of poverty, unemployment, and homelessness,” states GLAAD.
This reality is unacceptable. Violence against anyone based on gender, race, or any other characteristic must be eradicated—immediately. Beyond the threat of violence, transgender individuals, especially transgender people of color, encounter numerous daily inequities. A 2015 survey by the National Center for Transgender Equality, which surveyed 28,000 transgender individuals from all 50 states, revealed shocking statistics: transgender people are twice as likely to live in poverty compared to the general population, with transgender people of color facing three times the likelihood.
Many respondents reported harassment at school due to their gender identity, with 17% dropping out because of it. Additionally, one third experienced housing discrimination and another third faced homelessness at some point in their lives. This is simply not acceptable.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking statistic is that 40% of transgender individuals have attempted suicide—nearly nine times the national average. Twelve times the average rate of attempted suicide occurred within the past year for 7% of respondents. This is akin to another form of murder; if transgender individuals received the love, support, and understanding they rightfully deserve, these statistics would look drastically different.
We can’t afford to remain passive. It’s time for all of us to actively support our transgender siblings. If you feel uneasy about transgender issues, take the initiative to educate yourself on gender and sexuality. Open your mind—it’s none of your business how someone lives their life, and a person’s happiness does not affect your own.
These are human beings we’re discussing. They possess the same beauty, intelligence, and importance as anyone else. They are part of our communities, and chances are, there’s a transgender person in your family. They are here to stay, and they shouldn’t have to fight for their right to simply exist.
#TransLivesMatter. We must all stand together to ensure no more lives are lost to hate.
For those interested in further exploration of related topics, check out this post on artificial insemination kits available at Make a Mom. If you’re navigating parenting choices, this site provides valuable insights. Additionally, the CDC offers excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, we are facing a crisis of transphobia that results in violence and systemic inequities. It’s time for all of us to take a stand, advocate for our transgender brothers and sisters, and promote understanding and acceptance in our communities.