Violence Against Transgender People
Chicago declared a "Transfemicide State of Emergency" on July 24, 2026, in response to the systemic crisis and elevated risk of fatal violence faced by transgender and gender-diverse individuals. As of July 30, 2026, the Los Angeles County District Attorney pledged to prosecute hate crimes, while globally, 281 transgender and gender-diverse people were reported murdered between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. A UCLA study analyzing 25 years of research documented an increase in reported anti-transgender hate crimes, with FBI data showing a rise from 184 in 2018 to 527 in 2024. GLAAD reported that between May 2024 and May 2025, over 52% of anti-LGBTQ+ incidents specifically targeted transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, resulting in 84 injuries and 10 deaths.
Timeline
Want updates on this thread?
Track this storyTimeline of developments
July 2026 — 2 developments
LA County DA Vows to Prosecute Hate Crimes Amidst Rising Anti-Transgender Violence
The Los Angeles County District Attorney pledged to prosecute hate crimes at a town hall in West Hollywood. Recent reports indicate a persistent and increasing level of violence and discrimination against transgender and gender-diverse individuals in the United States.
Chicago Declares Transfemicide State of Emergency Amidst Rising Violence
Chicago has declared a "Transfemicide State of Emergency" in response to the systemic crisis and elevated risk of fatal violence faced by transgender and gender-diverse individuals. This declaration acknowledges that relentless discrimination and neglect contribute to fatal outcomes. The city's move highlights the ongoing, critical nature of violence against the transgender community.
June 2026 — 13 developments
Global Report: 281 Transgender Individuals Murdered Oct 2024-Sept 2025; CA AG Opposes DOJ Data Requests
Globally, 281 transgender and gender diverse people were reported murdered between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, with activists and movement leaders increasingly targeted. In the U.S., California Attorney General Rob Bonta is opposing the DOJ's efforts to obtain private health information of minors receiving gender-affirming care. A review of 94 studies found that 64% of transgender and gender-diverse people worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence during their lifetimes.
Study documents rise in anti-transgender hate crimes, FBI data shows increase
A new UCLA study analyzing 25 years of research documents an increase in reported anti-transgender hate crimes, with FBI data showing a rise from 184 in 2018 to 527 in 2024. The study reviewed research on hate crimes against transgender and nonbinary people across the U.S.
Arrests Made in Transgender Hate Crimes Amidst Rising Violence Statistics
Four individuals were arrested in Washington state in connection with the assault of a transgender woman, classified as a hate crime. GLAAD reported that between May 2024 and May 2025, over 52% of anti-LGBTQ+ incidents specifically targeted transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, resulting in 84 injuries and 10 deaths. Advocacy groups also highlighted that approximately 60% of recorded fatal violence against transgender individuals since 2013 has been against Black trans women.
Federal Court Blocks Transfer of Transgender Women to Men's Prisons; Oregon Sued Over Inmate Treatment
A federal court has blocked the Bureau of Prisons from transferring 14 transgender women to men's facilities due to the high risk of rape and violence. Separately, Oregon's prison system is being sued for failing to protect incarcerated transgender women from sexual abuse and violence.
Man arrested and charged with murder in death of transgender woman Persia Amarra Conway
Daniel Arnulfo Ceron, 22, has been arrested and charged with murder in the death of transgender woman Persia Amarra Conway, whose body was discovered in Brays Bayou in May. Ceron confessed to his involvement in Conway's death, and the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences has ruled the death a homicide.
Inter-American Commission Urges Action on Transgender Violence, Reports 159 Murders in Americas in 2025
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has urged states to effectively address violence against transgender individuals, reporting that at least 159 transgender people were murdered in the Americas in 2025. This call to action highlights the ongoing global crisis of violence and discrimination faced by the transgender community.
US Faces 'Beginning Stages of Genocide' Against Transgender People, CPUSA Claims
The Communist Party USA asserts the US is in the "beginning stages of genocide" against transgender people, driven by a "concerted disinformation campaign" and Trump administration policies. New York families are challenging a Trump administration subpoena for private health records of transgender youth, arguing it violates privacy rights. A transgender woman was fatally stabbed in Seattle on May 10, 2026, amidst rising anti-transgender violence.
Lemkin Institute Reports Sharp Escalation in Anti-Trans Rhetoric and Actions in U.S. Since June 2025
The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention and Human Security reported a sharp escalation in anti-trans rhetoric and actions in the U.S. since June 2025, citing a "concerted disinformation campaign" and over 125 bills passed in 2025 that negatively impact transgender individuals. The institute stated that transgender people are disproportionately victims of violent crime, being over four times more likely to experience violent victimization than cisgender people.
Transgender Woman's Death Investigated; Two Defendants Plead in Separate Cases
Edgar Arrington pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and a hate crime in the fatal shooting of transgender woman Daquane Johnson. Separately, Emily Motyka pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and kidnapping charges as part of the September 2024 killing of transgender man Sam Nordquist. Additionally, Houston police are investigating the suspicious death of transgender woman Persia Amarra Conway, whose body was discovered last week.
Texas Leads Nation in Anti-Transgender Homicides; 2020 Saw High Death Toll
Rep. Christian Menefee highlighted that Texas has the highest number of anti-transgender homicides in the nation, with over half of the victims being Black transgender women, citing the recent killing of Persia Amara Conway. A 2020 Human Rights Campaign report indicated at least 21 transgender or gender non-conforming individuals were killed that year, marking the highest number since 2013.
Woman Pleads Guilty to Murder and Kidnapping in Torture Death of Trans Man
A woman has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and kidnapping in the torture death of Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old Black trans man, as detailed in a June 4, 2026 development. This case was previously highlighted in a November 2025 report that recorded 27 violent deaths and 21 suicides of trans people in the United States.
GLAAD Poll: Politicians Exploit Transgender Issues; Incidents Up 14% May 2024-May 2025
A GLAAD poll released in June 2026 indicates that a majority of registered voters believe politicians exploit transgender issues as a distraction. Between May 2024 and May 2025, the GLAAD ALERT Desk recorded a 14% increase in incidents targeting transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, resulting in 84 injuries and 10 deaths.
Houston Police Investigate Transgender Woman's Death Amid Rise in Anti-Transgender Incidents
Houston police are investigating the death of a transgender woman found abandoned in May 2026, part of a broader pattern of violence. Separately, GLAAD reported over 900 anti-LGBTQ incidents nationwide since May 2024, with over half targeting transgender individuals, and Williams Institute data shows a rise in reported anti-transgender hate crimes in 2024.
May 2026 — 1 developments
Global Homicides Against Transgender People: 281 murdered in 2025, Brazil highest
In 2025, 281 transgender and gender-diverse people were murdered globally, with Brazil reporting the highest number at 80. Latin America and the Caribbean accounted for 68% of these murders, and transgender activists are increasingly targeted.
April 2026 — 2 developments
Man arrested for fatal beating of Davonta Curtis in Chicago apartment
Davonta Curtis, a 31-year-old Black transgender woman, was found deceased in her Chicago apartment on April 8, 2026, after suffering a fatal beating. A man known to Curtis has been apprehended and faces charges of first-degree murder and possession of a stolen vehicle.
Seattle Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Hate Crime Assaults Against Transgender Victims
A Seattle man was sentenced to seven years in prison in March 2026 for a hate crime assault and another assault involving transgender victims. This sentencing occurred amidst a 45% rise in anti-transgender legislation in 2025 compared to 2024.
January 2026 — 3 developments
Suspect arrested in fatal shooting of Daquan 'Dream' Johnson in Northeast Washington
Daquan 'Dream' Johnson, a 28-year-old transgender woman, was fatally shot in July 2025 in Northeast Washington, and a suspect was later arrested in connection with her murder.
Honee, Black Trans Woman, Killed in Hit-and-Run
Honee, a 37-year-old Black trans woman, was killed in a hit-and-run incident.
Genocide Scholars Warn US May Be in Early Stages of Genocide Against Transgender Americans
Genocide scholars have expressed alarm that the U.S. may be in the early stages of genocide against transgender, nonbinary, and intersex Americans due to escalating attacks. This warning highlights a new perspective on the increasing violence targeting these communities.
December 2025 — 1 developments
Williams Institute Study Finds Triple Increase in California Transgender Hate Crimes
The Williams Institute publishes a study finding that hate crimes targeting transgender and gender nonconforming people tripled in California between 2013 and 2024.
November 2025 — 6 developments
At least 27 transgender individuals murdered in U.S. this year, 399 since 2013
In the past year, at least 27 transgender individuals have been murdered in the U.S., according to updated reports. Since 2013, there have been at least 399 cases of fatal violence against transgender people, with 82.3% targeting transgender women and seven in ten victims being Black. Firearms were used in 71.2% of these deaths.
tdor.translivesmatter.info reports 46 transgender individuals murdered in US as of November 20, 2025
As of November 20, 2025, 46 transgender individuals have been reported murdered in the United States, according to the tdor.translivesmatter.info project.
Trans Murder Monitoring 2025 Report Reveals Activists Second Most Targeted Group
The Trans Murder Monitoring (TMM) 2025 report indicates a new trend in anti-trans violence, with activists and movement leaders now being the second most targeted group by occupation at 14% of cases. Globally, the report documented 281 murders of transgender and gender diverse people between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, a decrease from the previous year. The United States recorded 31 cases during this period.
Trans Murder Monitoring reports 281 trans and gender diverse people murdered globally in 2025
The 2025 Trans Murder Monitoring report indicates that 281 trans and gender diverse people were murdered globally between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. Of these, 31 were reported in the United States, a decrease from 41 in the previous year. Sex workers continue to be the most targeted group.
Human Rights Campaign Foundation reports 399 fatal violence cases against trans and gender non-conforming people since 2013
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2025 report identifies at least 399 known cases of fatal violence against transgender and gender non-conforming people in the U.S. since 2013. As of November 17, 2025, Maurice Harrison was identified as the 27th known case of fatal violence in 2025.
A4TE releases 2025 Trans Day of Remembrance Report, honoring 58 trans people who died since November 2024
A4TE releases its 2025 Trans Day of Remembrance Report, honoring 58 known trans people who died since November 2024, with 27 attributed to violence and 21 to suicide.
September 2025 — 2 developments
Heritage Foundation Proposed Classifying Transgender Individuals as Terrorists in 2025
In September 2025, architects of the Project 2025 agenda, including the Heritage Foundation, proposed that the federal government classify transgender individuals and their allies as terrorists. They urged the FBI to create a new designation called 'Transgender Ideology-Inspired Violent Extremism'.
Edgar Arrington Charged with First-Degree Murder, Hate Crime in Dacoin Johnson Killing
The alleged killer of Dacoin 'Dream' Johnson, a 28-year-old transgender woman murdered in July 2025, has been charged with first-degree murder with a hate crime enhancement. Johnson's family expressed relief, viewing the charge as accountability for hate-motivated violence. The suspect, Edgar Arrington, reportedly harassed Johnson before shooting her.
July 2025 — 1 developments
Blaque/OUT Magazine Reports 11 Transgender Murders in US in 2025, 10 Black Transgender Women
Blaque/OUT Magazine reported that at least 11 transgender people have been murdered in the United States in 2025, with 10 of these victims being Black Transgender women. The report highlighted individual cases that occurred between April and July 2025.
May 2025 — 1 developments
GLAAD ALERT Desk reports 932 anti-LGBTQ incidents, 84 injuries, 10 deaths in one year
GLAAD's ALERT Desk report, covering May 1, 2024, to May 1, 2025, tracks 932 anti-LGBTQ incidents in the US, resulting in 84 injuries and 10 deaths. 52% of these incidents targeted transgender and gender non-conforming people.
December 2024 — 1 developments
Report: At least 31 transgender and gender-nonconforming Americans killed in 2024
In 2024, at least 31 transgender and gender-nonconforming Americans were victims of fatal violence, with the majority being transgender women of color. The report highlights individual cases such as Kitty Monroe, a 43-year-old transgender Latina killed on January 1 in Phoenix, and Sasha Williams, a trans woman of color stabbed to death. This number is considered an undercount due to inconsistent reporting and data collection on anti-transgender violence.
November 2024 — 4 developments
Human Rights Watch notes 350 transgender and gender-diverse people murdered in past year
Human Rights Watch acknowledges Trans Day of Remembrance, referencing the Trans Murder Monitoring Project's 2024 data which documented at least 350 transgender and gender-diverse people murdered over the past year (Oct 2023 - Sep 2024), including 13 activists.
Human Rights Campaign Foundation Reports 36 Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming People Killed in US
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation reported at least 36 transgender and gender non-conforming people were killed in the U.S. between November 21, 2023, and November 20, 2024, bringing the total to 372 since 2013. Black transgender women were disproportionately affected, comprising nearly half of the deaths in the past year. New data from Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund indicated 35 homicides of transgender or gender-expansive people in 2023, with 80% involving a gun, and 44% occurring in the Southern United States.
Human Rights Campaign reports 36 transgender and gender-expansive deaths in past year
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) recorded at least 36 deaths of transgender and gender-expansive individuals due to fatal violence in the 12 months leading up to November 20, 2024, a slight increase from the previous year. In this period, 75% of victims were people of color, 77.8% were transgender women, and firearms were used in two-thirds of fatalities.
Trans Murder Monitoring Report records 350 transgender homicides globally in past year
The Trans Murder Monitoring Report recorded 350 transgender homicides globally between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, a significant increase from the previous year. In the United States, advocates documented 27 violent deaths and 21 suicides of transgender people in the past year, with Black transgender women disproportionately targeted.
March 2024 — 1 developments
Anti-transgender hate crimes reach historic highs, prompting public health emergency calls
Anti-transgender hate crimes have reached historic highs, with a notable spike in Los Angeles County in 2022, prompting calls for a public health emergency. In 2023, 80% of homicides involving transgender people in the US were committed with a gun, with Black transgender women disproportionately affected.
February 2024 — 1 developments
Everytown Report: 35 Transgender Homicides in 2023, 80% Involving Firearms
A report from Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund indicates 35 homicides of transgender or gender-expansive people in 2023, with 80% involving firearms. Between 2017 and 2023, 263 such homicides were recorded, with Black transgender women disproportionately affected. A separate report from the National Center for Transgender Equality noted 53 transgender deaths in the past year, coinciding with a rise in anti-trans legislation and a 32.9% increase in gender identity-based hate crimes.