As we approach Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) this 20th November, we must reflect on the interconnectedness of gender-based violence impacting all women—whether cisgender or transgender. TDOR serves as a solemn occasion to honour the memory of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals whose lives were brutally cut short by violence, often driven by deep-seated prejudice and hatred. In this moment of remembrance, we must also acknowledge the broader epidemic of femicide—the murder of women by men—that continues unabated in the UK, as highlighted in recent discussions.
The Crisis of Femicide in the UK
According to The Guardian's "Killed Women Count" project, an average of 140 women have been killed by men each year in the UK since 2009. This staggering figure, equating to two women every five days, starkly highlights the persistent and pervasive threat that women face from male violence, particularly from intimate partners. These cases are not isolated incidents but part of a systemic issue deeply embedded in societal norms that perpetuate male dominance and control.
The project underscores how these deaths are often not treated with the urgency they deserve, becoming almost background noise in a society where such tragedies have become distressingly common. The stories of these women—ranging from students to businesswomen, from those living in cities to those in remote countryside—serve as a stark reminder that no woman is safe from the threat of male violence, regardless of her background or circumstances.
The Transgender Parallel: A Crisis of Visibility and Violence
While the statistics on cisgender women are harrowing, the violence against transgender women—especially transgender women of colour—is even more alarming, albeit less visible. TDOR shines a light on this hidden crisis, commemorating those who have been murdered due to transphobia. Reports consistently show that transgender women are killed at a disproportionately higher rate compared to cisgender women, often driven by a toxic blend of misogyny and transphobia.
Globally, between October 2020 and September 2021, 375 transgender and gender-diverse people were reported murdered. While this figure may appear lower compared to the 140 women killed annually in the UK, it is vital to consider the relative population sizes. Transgender people make up a small percentage of the overall population, meaning that, proportionally, transgender women are at a significantly higher risk of fatal violence. In fact, transgender women are being killed at a rate that could be up to twice that of cisgender women, underscoring the extreme vulnerabilities they face.
The Intersection of Violence: A Shared Crisis
The violence faced by cisgender and transgender women stems from the same root causes: patriarchal structures that enforce male dominance and the devaluation of women’s lives. Although the specifics of the violence may differ—cisgender women often face violence within domestic settings, while transgender women frequently encounter violence in public spaces or at the hands of strangers—the underlying issues are deeply interconnected.
The lack of attention to transgender murders in mainstream media mirrors the broader issue of how femicide is treated as an inevitable consequence of gender relations rather than a crisis demanding urgent action. Just as the "Killed Women Count" project seeks to bring visibility to the murders of cisgender women, TDOR reminds us of the necessity to amplify the stories of transgender women whose lives are violently cut short.
Moving Forward: A Call for Intersectional Action
To effectively combat this epidemic of gender-based violence, we must adopt an intersectional approach that acknowledges and addresses the specific challenges faced by different groups of women. This includes understanding how race, class, gender identity, and sexual orientation can compound the risk of violence and shape the experiences of survivors.
The solutions to this crisis are complex and multifaceted, requiring systemic change at every level of society. From reforming the justice system to ensuring that violent men face real consequences to promoting education around healthy relationships and providing consistent funding to support services for survivors, the path forward demands a collective commitment to dismantling the patriarchal structures that perpetuate violence against all women.
As we observe TDOR this 20th November, let us honour the memory of those lost by recommitting ourselves to the fight against all forms of gender-based violence. The lives of all women—cisgender and transgender alike—matter, and it is our shared responsibility to ensure their stories are told, their lives are valued, and their deaths are not in vain.