Trans Day of Remembrance is a day we remember and honor each life lost to anti-Trans violence in the past year. So far in 2025, at least 41 Trans lives have been tragically lost to violence in the U.S., with at least 256 lost globally. We say “at least” because often our stories go misreported, if not unreported altogether.
Kaitoria Le’Cynthia Bankz (“Kai”)
Aurora Pellegrina (“Alexa”, “Luna”)
Each of these lives had value. As we grieve the immense loss of these collective dreams, aspirations, and futures taken, we also reflect on the unique light that each of these loved ones brought to the world. These were friends, family, partners, activists, organizers, artists, poets, and community members. They were parents, grandparents, students, veterans, and community leaders. Some held jobs as a nurse, hair stylist, PrEP navigator, digital content creator, disability justice advocate, and editor for Marvel Comics. Some filled their free time with dancing, volunteering, record collecting, writing, performing, and helping others. Some were gardeners, drag and makeup artists, musicians, and sci-fi lovers.
The losses we suffer each year as a community do not exist in a vacuum. As anti-Trans policies increase, so does violence. Political and 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 1,000 anti-Trans bills introduced in 2025. Although most of these bills failed to pass, 124 bills have become law this year, targeting our access to medically necessary healthcare, our safety in educational institutions, and participation in other realms of daily life; in addition to the numerous, large-scale federal attacks on our community from the current administration.
However, the truth is: Trans people deserve to live. We invite you to take this truth with you. Let it power your rage. Let it nurture your healing. Let it move you to action.
In the moments we feel overwhelmed, hopeless, or tired, may those we lost in this fight for our lives imbue us with the guidance and strength to keep going. As we honor them, may we learn to honor ourselves, and may we honor the generations to come. May we always remember that we are part of a larger community and legacy of Trans people and ancestors who have always built our own power and our own futures. May we never forget that we are worthy of dignity, respect, love, and life.
With love,
Gender Justice League
We hope you’ll join us tomorrow night alongside hosts UTOPIA Washington, Seattle Pride, and Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center for an evening of Trans excellence, remembrance, and community care, as we gather to honor our Trans and gender diverse siblings whose lives were taken too soon by anti-Trans violence and systemic harm.
📅 Thursday, November 20th
📍 Green River College: 12401 SE 320th St, Auburn, WA 98092
🕕 Doors open: 6 PM
🎤 Program begins: 7 PM
💜 Cost: FREE
🔗 RSVP here