This week was Transgender Awareness Week, a movement dedicated to educating people on the issues the trans community faces in our society, and how we can come together to protect the freedoms and safety for all. 

This Thursday we observed the Transgender Day of Remembrance to honor the memory of those whose lives were lost this year in acts of transgender violence, both physically and systematically. Remembering their lives and legacies protects the future of the community; to know what we have lost and what we are still to gain.

Daquan "Dream" Johnson, 28

“Dream was full of life. Dream was vibrant. Dream just loved to live. If you’ve seen Dream, Dream always had a smile on her face” (WTop News).

Violence

In the past year, 281 transgender and nonbinary individuals have been murdered globally, with 31 in the U.S. alone. There is also a concerning increase in activists and movement leaders being targeted.

Black transgender women are most at risk, facing both gender and racial oppression (polyvictimization). The hyperarousal from the lack of safety and level of fear of revictimization is associated with increased rates of depression, anxiety and Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Linda Becerra Moran, 30

“Even as she navigated homelessness, exploitation, and mental health challenges, one friend remembered that Linda was “determined to survive.” (Transrememberance.org)

 

Homelessness

Nearly two in five transgender persons have experienced homelessness at one point in their lives, much of which is a direct cause of housing discrimination and rejection by their families. 

Housing instability can lead to a plethora of issues from an increase in depression and suicidality, substance use, and risk of abuse and sex trafficking. 

Leah Jo, 37

A graduate of UMass Amherst. “Leah would always listen, no matter what” (The Trevor Project).

 

Lack of Healthcare

According to one study, transgender youth show a 73% decrease in suicidality when having access to gender-affirming care (puberty blockers and/or gender-affirming hormones). The Trevor Project’s study in 2024 reported that increases of anti-trans laws directly correlate to an increase in the depression and suicidality of transgender youth in the affected states.

Also with increases in job discrimination, poverty, and homelessness, transgender people are at high risk of receiving no healthcare at all.

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, 78

Miss Major, a stonewall rioter and esteemed activist, passed away this year at age 78, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and “tellin’ it like it f—kin is”. 

Becoming a United Front

Miss Major worked hard until the end to fight for trans rights. She urges both the trans community and their allies to become a united front against hate and discrimination, especially at a time like this – “Don’t be complacent now. Don’t step back and be in the shadows … you’ve got to do it…We can’t afford to not move.”

We must come together as a community to protect not just the rights of LGTBTQ+ citizens but for the right to bodily autonomy, acceptance, and equality for all of us.

It is easy to become demoralized when the news is constantly bombarding us with bad news, but you must believe that there are people out there fighting for you.

And that includes us here at Handel Behavioral Health. If you are in need of support, whether you are an ally or member of the LBGTQIA+ community, we are here for you. 

HBH has a compassionate crew of mental health professionals that are trained in gender-affirming care and understand the unique needs and experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community. 

We are here to provide an empathetic and safe space for clients to discuss their individual experiences, concerns, and goals. We may also provide family and relationship counseling to help build a supportive community around you.

Find a Therapist for Gender-Affirming Care in Massachusetts

Handel Behavioral Health has both telehealth/online therapy and in-person therapy in any of our Massachusetts offices in Amherst, Wilbraham, West Springfield, Franklin, or Natick. Call us today at (413) 343-4357 or request an appointment online.

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