Over the past year, at least 350 transgender and gender-diverse people have been murdered globally, according to a report by Transgender Europe and Central Asia (TGEU). Released ahead of Trans Day of Remembrance, the report details killings from October 2023 to September 2024 and marks one of the highest recorded tolls since the organisation began its monitoring project in 2008. The stark rise, up from 321 murders the previous year, only proves what we feared; the threats faced by trans communities worldwide are not getting better.
The data highlights deeply troubling patterns of systemic violence. A vast majority of victims—93%—were Black trans people or trans people of colour, and nearly half (46%) were sex workers. This intersection of racism, xenophobia, and anti-sex worker bias exposes the layers of discrimination that put marginalised trans individuals at heightened risk. “Behind these numbers are real lives—people our societies have failed to protect,” TGEU’s executive director Ymania Brown emphasised.
Latin America and the Caribbean remain the most dangerous regions for trans people, with Brazil accounting for 30% of all murders. But this violence is not limited to one region. The United States has also seen an increase in trans killings, amplified by a toxic combination of anti-trans rhetoric, legislation, and hate crimes. Meanwhile, Europe reported a slight decline, but experts caution against interpreting this as progress. The report’s authors stress that many cases go unreported or misreported, meaning the true scale of the violence is likely far greater.
The role of political and religious figures in perpetuating anti-trans hate speech was another concerning trend identified by the report. These figures, alongside disinformation campaigns on social media, create a hostile environment where violence against trans individuals becomes normalised. TGEU points to the lack of robust hate-crime legislation that protects gender identity and expression as a key enabler of this violence.
As Trans Day of Remembrance is observed globally, the feminist movement has a critical role to play in addressing this crisis. Trans women, especially those of colour, face extreme levels of violence rooted in the same patriarchal systems that oppress cisgender women. Dismissing or excluding trans rights from the feminist agenda only reinforces these structures. To achieve true gender equality, it is imperative to stand in solidarity with all women, including those most at risk.
For trans communities around the world, the demand is clear: governments must take urgent action to break the cycle of violence. As vigils and events take place on November 20, allies are reminded that this is more than a moment of mourning—it is a call to fight for a world where trans lives are valued and protected.
Anyone who has witnessed or experienced a hate crime is urged to call the police on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit the True Vision website. In an emergency, always dial 999.
