VA commemorates Transgender Day of Remembrance 2024

The Center for Minority Veterans, in partnership with Pride VA, recently hosted its second annual Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR). The event emphasized the importance of inclusion, visibility and remembrance for transgender and gender-diverse Veterans. A fireside chat featuring Col. Bree Fram, moderated by retired Lt. Col. Ann Murdoch, served as the event's centerpiece.

TDOR, also known as the International Day of Remembrance, is observed annually on Nov. 20 to honor the memory of transgender individuals whose lives have been lost to anti-transgender violence. It is a solemn occasion that not only commemorates those who have died, but also raises awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by the transgender and gender-diverse community. This year, the event paid tribute to the 28 transgender Americans who lost their lives in 2024, with an updated report from the Human Rights Campaign confirming that the number had risen to 30 by the eve of TDOR.

Challenges facing transgender Veterans

Transgender individuals in the United States continue to face a harrowing landscape shaped by violence, discrimination and systemic stigma. Black transgender women remain the most vulnerable, comprising 61% of victims of fatal violence against transgender and gender-diverse individuals. Since the previous TDOR, the Human Rights Campaign has reported 36 deaths, with 30 occurring in 2024 alone. These tragedies make clear the urgent need to address the systemic inequities that place transgender individuals at heightened risk and to foster a society where all can live authentically and safely.

Transgender Veterans receiving VHA care face a staggering mental health crisis, with lifetime rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts more than 20 times higher than those of the general VHA patient population-a group already at greater risk of suicidality compared to their civilian peers. Preventing Veteran suicides requires a focused commitment to addressing the unique needs and challenges of transgender Veterans. It's important to note that these disparities are not rooted in gender identity itself but are the result of systemic barriers, including pervasive discrimination and marginalization.

Transgender individuals are also disproportionately represented in the military, being twice as likely as their civilian peers to serve. Despite their significant contributions, historical bans on open transgender military service erased their visibility and forced many to conceal their identities, creating profound challenges in living authentically and accessing support.

As James Albino, executive director of the Center for Minority Veterans, stated, "When barriers are removed, the results can be extraordinary."

Leaders like Col. Bree Fram, who has openly and honorably served since the ban on transgender military service was lifted, remind us of the strength and value in diversity. Her service, along with the accomplishments of others like retired Lt. Col. Ann Murdoch, who rose through the ranks to command units in both the U.S. Army Special Operations Command and the 18th Airborne Corps, exemplifies excellence in service. Lt. Col. Murdoch, a decorated Veteran with awards including the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star, shared a powerful sentiment after the event: "All people who affirm life and cherish liberty grieve when Americans are murdered for simply living authentically. The Transgender Day of Remembrance highlights the human toll of bigotry and is a call to action for all who value the sanctity of life." Her words underscore the collective responsibility to confront bigotry and protect the lives of transgender and gender-diverse individuals.

These stories, along with those of countless transgender service members and Veterans, showcase the extraordinary contributions of those currently serving in uniform and those who have served in the past. Each has played a vital role in strengthening and bettering our nation.

By addressing the systemic challenges faced by the transgender community and fostering an environment of equity and inclusion, we can ensure that talented and dedicated individuals like Col. Fram and Lt. Col. Murdoch are able to thrive and make a profound impact. There is undeniable strength in diversity, and as a country, we are stronger when all voices are heard and valued.

Recognizing the contributions of gender-diverse individuals

During the event, Col. Fram spotlighted Gen. Casimir Pulaski, the "Father of the American Cavalry," whose leadership was pivotal to the Revolutionary War. She referenced groundbreaking research by Dr. Virginia Hutton Estabrook, a biological anthropologist at Georgia Southern University, which revealed that Pulaski's skeletal remains contained female physical traits, suggesting he was likely intersex. Col. Fram then posed a compelling question to the audience: What would it have cost the military and the nation if Pulaski, under discriminatory policies that were in place as recently as the past decade, had been excluded from service? This question revealed a vital truth-embracing the authenticity and contributions of all individuals, including transgender and gender-diverse service members, not only honors their dignity but also strengthens the military and enriches the nation as a whole.

Honoring transgender service members

The event offered a powerful reminder of the resilience and contributions of transgender service members. Chaplain Eldred Moye invoked the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," urging support for transgender Veterans and service members who have defended freedom while enduring discrimination, stigma and institutional bias. Historically, policies barring open transgender service forced many to hide their identities, creating profound challenges to living authentically within military life.

Despite these barriers, transgender Veterans have shown extraordinary courage and resilience, contributing significantly to the military and the nation. Their sacrifices demand recognition, and fostering an inclusive military and Veteran community is essential to honoring their service and advancing equity, dignity and respect for all who serve. Transgender Day of Remembrance provides not only a solemn moment to honor lives lost to violence but also an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the ongoing efforts required to achieve equity for transgender individuals in both military and civilian life.

Col. Bree Fram's reflections highlighted the transformative power of empathy and connection in overcoming prejudice. As a fan of Star Trek: The Next Generation, it feels fitting to share this quote from Capt. James T. Kirk of the original Star Trek show, which I think perfectly captures the spirit of her message: "The prejudices people feel about each other disappear when they get to know each other."

By observing events like TDOR, the Center for Minority Veterans and Pride VA continue their vital work of honoring the memory of those lost while advocating for a future where all individuals can serve and live authentically, with safety, dignity and respect. These efforts reflect an enduring commitment to fostering a military and Veteran community that serves all who have served.

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