1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern about the alarming rise in violence against transgender and gender-diverse individuals. Recent data from Transgender Europe and Central Asia (TGEU) reveals a horrifying statistic: 281 trans and gender-diverse people were murdered between October 2024 and September 2025 alone. This brings the total recorded murders since 2009 to a staggering 5,322 lives lost. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent real people whose lives were cut short due to hatred and discrimination. The data shows that 88% of victims were trans people of color, and 90% were trans women or transfeminine individuals. Sex workers and activists are particularly at risk, accounting for 34% and 14% of victims respectively. What's even more troubling is that these figures likely underestimate the true scale of the problem. Many cases go unreported or are misclassified due to misgendering by authorities. This crisis demands immediate and decisive action from our government to protect trans lives and rights. I urge you to prioritize legislation that strengthens hate crime laws, improves data collection on anti-trans violence, and provides resources for trans rights defenders. We must also address the root causes of this violence by promoting education and awareness about transgender issues in our communities. The targeting of trans activists is particularly concerning, as it threatens those working tirelessly to create a safer world for all. We need to ensure that these brave individuals have the protection and support they need to continue their vital work. Time is of the essence. Each day we delay action, more lives are at risk. I ask that you use your position to bring this issue to the forefront of legislative priorities and work towards concrete measures to protect our transgender community members. Their lives depend on our willingness to act now.