Statement on Transgender Day of Remembrance 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 20, 2021

DELRAY BEACH, FL – According to the Human Rights Campaign, 2021 is the deadliest year on record for transgender and gender non-conforming people. Four transgender women have been killed in Florida so far this year:

  • Alexus Braxton was killed on February 4 in Miami
  • Keri Washington was killed on May 1 in Clearwater
  • Royal Poetical Starz was killed on October 2 in Miami Gardens
  • Jenny De Leon was killed on November 2 in Tampa

Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement for Transgender Day of Remembrance:

“Transgender Day of Remembrance is a time to remember those who lost their lives for being their authentic selves. We must use this day to raise awareness, provide support, and ensure acceptance of our transgender community. LGBTQ+ Floridians and our straight allies must recommit ourselves to continue fighting the rhetoric and the actions that have taken the lives of so many in the transgender and non-binary community, particularly transgender women of color.

“The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus is proud of our transgender members, Board members, officers, and those throughout the community. We know there is much more work to be done to protect the lives and dignity of our transgender community. Transgender Day of Remembrance reminds us of the violence that took their lives, but provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the fullness of the lives they lived. It is our hope that their memory and legacy spurs us all into action.”

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