#BlackTransLivesMatter
The keyword phrase “black trans lives matter” was searched 10 times more this year than in 2019 according to Google Trends. In a recent social justice ad campaign, titled A Protest for Progress: Black Trans Equality, Google highlighted this data along with other key findings. The terms “Black trans people killed,” “trans healthcare,” and “trans rights” have also been searched more frequently this year. The Google analytics team’s interpretation of this data indicates “America is trying to understand the root causes of alarming violence and murder rates of transgender people this year, particularly Black transgender women.”
When Black Lives Matter protests coincided with Pride month this year, many protesters held signs declaring ‘Black Trans Lives Matter’ in support of the often overlooked Black transgender and gender non conforming (TGNC) people who are killed each year. In June of 2020, the number of Black trans women that had been killed in the US was 26. Now, just four months later, 33 Black transwomen have been murdered. Due to a common lack of reporting and misgendering, this number is likely much higher.
In 2019, the American Medical Association (AMA) classified violence against the transgender community as an epidemic. They distinctly noted a “disturbing pattern of violence toward Black transgender women” in their annual meeting last year.
AMA is taking this issue to the policy making and changing level, and although that seems like the only impactful way to support Black TGNC people there are several other avenues where you can make a difference.
Donate to Black trans led organizations
Thousands of organizations are working hard to provide help for Black TGNC folks, but few of them are Black TGNC led. When you support Black TGNC led organizations, you reinforce and maintain the space for more Black TGNC leadership. Several of these organizations provide immediate support in the form of temporary or short term housing, HIV/AIDS testing, name change resources, and other forms of invaluable support. Monetary donations are always the most beneficial contribution since the needs of these organizations are often immense. Specific call outs for clothing, food donations, and even spare time to help volunteer are equally helpful.
Uphold Trans Inclusive Healthcare
There is a lot that the current administration has done and plans to continue to do to further eliminate equal and fair access to healthcare for TGNC people. Vote for trans-inclusive healthcare policies and candidates who will fight for those policies. Find out what local measures will be on your ballot and look into the policies that the candidates in your state are supporting by visiting Vote Save America.
Support Trans Inclusive Art & TGNC Artists
Keyword searches for Laverne Cox, Raquel Willis, and Shea Diamond reached an all time high in 2020. These are all prominent Black trans activists and artists. Little known Black TGNC artists don’t have the same high level of exposure for their work, but they are no less deserving of the investment into what they create. There are several grants that support Black TGNC artists, but you can also look for these artists locally in your area to support them. It could make a major difference in their lives.
