21 trans women, largely trans women of color and many of them Black, have been murdered in the United States in 2015. In death, they’ve been mis-gendered, deadnamed, shamed and blamed for their murder, and denied self-determination. From mainstream media to elected officials, even our progressive movements, their struggles have remained largely invisible. Business as usual.
According to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs’ Report on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and HIV-affected hate violence, in 2014 50% of homicide victims were transgender women of color, transgender people of color were 6.2 times more likely to experience police violence, and 1.6 times more likely to experience physical violence. We know that across the board, trans people of color, particularly Black trans folks, are more likely to experience discrimination and violence in housing, employment, and healthcare. Simply put, trans communities of color are in a state of emergency. Enough is enough.
On #BlackTransLiberationTuesday, SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW! stands in solidarity with our Black trans friends, lovers, colleagues, and accomplices in the fight for justice and liberation of all our communities. We condemn the senseless violence and constant devaluing of your lives. We uplift and name the ways in which trans women of color, particularly Black trans women, disproportionately face the brunt of this racist, sexist, transphobic, transmisogynist world. We speak your names. We affirm that Trans Justice is Reproductive Justice. We must fight for Black Trans Lives.
We call their names . . .
Papi Edwards. Lamia Beard. Ty Underwood. Yazmin Vash Payne. Taja DeJesus. Penny Proud. Bri Golec. Kristina Gomez Reinwald. Keyshia Blige. Vanessa Santillan. Mya Hall. London Chanel. Mercedes Williamson. Jasmine Collins. India Clarke. K.C. Haggard. Amber Monroe. Shade Schuler. Kandis Capri. Elisha Walker. Tamara Dominguez.
We remember you. We love you. We honor your memory by fighting for those left behind to build a future free from violence!
In community power,
The SPARK Family
Two Ways to Take Action NOW!
Raise your consciousness: 24 Actions You NEED to Take to Help Trans Women of Color Survive
Raise your voice: Find a #BlackTransLiberationTuesday event in your area!
If you’re in Atlanta, show up tonight at Underground Atlanta, 50 Upper Alabama St, Atlanta, GA to show your support and love for Black trans people, especially Black trans women. Facebook Event
