National Black Justice Collective Commemorates Transgender Day of Remembrance & Resilience
CONTACT: Jordan Wilhelmi | jordan@unbendablemedia.com
WASHINGTON – On Transgender Day of Remembrance & Resilience, the National Black Justice Collective (NBJC), a leading Black LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, honors the lives of transgender people, especially Black transgender women, who have been tragically taken from us due to violence, discrimination, and systemic neglect. Dr. David J. Johns, CEO and Executive Director of NBJC, issued the following statement:
“Today, we remember the many lives of our transgender siblings lost to senseless violence and systemic oppression. We mourn for those we’ve lost and hold their families, friends, and communities in our hearts. This day is not only a day of remembrance but also a call to action—a moment to reaffirm our collective commitment to ensuring justice, equity, and liberation for transgender people, particularly Black transgender people who face the compounded challenges of racism, Transmisia, and misogynoir.
“As we reflect on the staggering loss of life, we also celebrate the strength and resilience of transgender and gender-expansive people who continue to thrive in the face of adversity. Their courage and contributions enrich every aspect of our society. From our workplaces to our communities to our families, transgender people are a part of the fabric of our everyday lives and deserve the same protection, respect, and celebration afforded to all of us.
“We cannot, however, ignore the harsh realities of systemic violence and legislative attacks targeting the transgender community. Policies that restrict access to gender-affirming care ban participation in sports, censor education, and erase transgender stories weaponize identity as a means of oppression. This violence, born of ignorance and hate, is unacceptable and must be met with unwavering resistance.
“Transgender Day of Remembrance & Resilience reminds us that we must fight harder. Every trans life lost is a call for justice. It is a reminder that true liberation demands the dismantling of systems that perpetuate violence, discrimination, and inequality.
“NBJC stands united with our transgender siblings. We will continue to advocate, educate, and demand that our society values and protects transgender lives. Together, we will work to create a world where transgender people can live openly, authentically, and without fear—a world that uplifts and celebrates resilience while eradicating the need for it.”
The NBJC Stolen Lives list of trans and non-binary people lost to violence and hate can be found here.