Statement from Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis'sTransgender Advisory Council on Transgender Remembrance Day

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, November 20, 2024  
Contact: [email protected], (916) 445-8994

SACRAMENTO - Today, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis's Transgender Advisory Council released the following statement in honor of Transgender Remembrance Day:

"On Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor the trans+ community members lost to hate, violence, and the pain of an inhospitable society. We mourn those taken by murder and suicide, with trans+ women of color bearing the greatest burden of violence and inequity.

As we reflect on those we've lost, we recognize the ongoing fight against trans+ hatred and its devastating impacts. This year's election cycle saw over $200 million spent attacking and misrepresenting transgender people, fueling misunderstanding, hate, and violence. The Trevor Project reporteda staggering 700% surge in crisis calls on November 6th alone, underscoring the harm caused by such rhetoric.

Transgender Day of Remembrance reminds us to honor those no longer with us by strengthening our resolve to fight for a future where all trans+ people can live authentically with dignity, safety, and joy. As harmful federal policies loom, California must uphold our values of inclusion, diversity, and equity by advancing trans protections through legislation and community investments. Trans people deserve to live. We deserve safe and happy lives."

BACKGROUND:

Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis established the first in the nation Transgender Advisory Council in 2021 to elevate the issues faced by transgender people across California. The council is comprised of nine transgender activists, advocates, and elected officials from across the state. View the Press Releasefor more information about the council.

The Lt. Governor's Transgender Advisory Council includes the following members: 

• Co-Chair Ebony Ava Harper
• Evan Michael Minton
• Lisa Middleton
• Drian Juarez
• Bamby Salcedo
• Rosio Leon Velasco-Stoll
• Khilynn Fowler
• Blossom Brown