Thirteen Transgender Women Murdered This Year Alone

WASHINGTON, DC, August 12, 2015 — The National LGBTQ Task Force is joining lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender & queer (LGBTQ) advocates across the nation in expressing outrage against the ongoing string of homicides targeting transgender women. Most recently, Amber Monroe and Shade Schuler, two black transgender women, were murdered in Detroit, Michigan and Dallas, Texas, respectively.

“We are outraged by the murders of Amber Monroe and Shade Schuler. The level of violence against transgender women in this country is unconscionable and part of a national crisis. Together, we must continue to stand up against the ongoing systemic violence and educate the public about the real harm caused by discrimination. We also call upon local authorities to undertake a swift investigation and bring justice to Amber Monroe and Shade Schuler, their loved ones, and to their communities. Our thoughts and prayers are with their friends and families,” said Rea Carey, National LGBTQ Task Force Executive Director.

In 2014, 12 transgender women were murdered across the U.S; the same number of transgender women were killed in 2013. According to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, transgender people are especially vulnerable to violence because of the discrimination they face in all aspects of their lives, from employment to housing to education to healthcare, and are five times more likely to live in extreme poverty — making less than $ 10,000 a year — than the general population.

“At a time when the visibility of transgender people has reached a new milestone, our society still lacks sufficient understanding of transgender people. That is why we’re also calling on the news media to continue elevating the voices and achievements of transgender people and to report our stories in a manner that is compassionate, respectful and accurate in order to increase public awareness and dismantle negative stereotypes,” said Carey.

Last year, the National LGBTQ Task Force launched #StopTransMurders, a public education campaign to raise the voices of transgender activists and allies working to end anti-transgender violence.

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Media Contact:
Jorge Amaro
Media and Public Relations Director
(Office) 202.639.6306
(Cell) 213.842.7564
jamaro@thetaskforce.org