COLUMBUS – Equality Ohio Executive Director Dwayne Steward has issued the following statement regarding the Trans Day of Remembrance, which was established in 1999 after the deaths of Black trans women Rita Hester and Chanelle Pickett, a day established to serve as a call to treat the lives and deaths of trans people with dignity and respect. 

“Today Equality Ohio remembers those in the transgender community we’ve lost to violence, and we also think about those in Ohio who are living under the threat of violence as too many political leaders seek to divide us and create fear in our state. I know it can be hard for people to understand what it means to be transgender, especially if you’ve never met a transgender person and are only watching negative campaign ads on TV. This year, I’m thinking of all the transgender kids who are just like kids everywhere and want a fair chance to succeed without bullying, hostility and discrimination. Let’s use Trans Day of Remembrance as a day of Resilience—a moment to honor lives lost while celebrating the enduring beauty and activism of the trans community. Equality Ohio is committed and will continue working to build a future where trans Ohioans thrive.” 

Kassim Omar: According to the Human Rights Campaign, Ohio resident Kassim Omar fled to the United States to escape anti-LGBTQ+ harassment and violence. Settling in Columbus, Ohio, she was shot in 2022 by two teenagers who had been harassing her. She was paralyzed succumbed to her injuries on September 6, 2024.

The CDC has reported that nationally, 1 in 4 transgender youth attempted suicide in the last year, 1 in 4 experienced violence at school, and 1 in 4 missed school due to bullying.  

According to the Public Religion Research Institute, a 76 percent majority of Ohioans support nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people against discrimination in jobs, housing and public accommodations. Semafor reported, “Republicans are running more ads than ever about transgender rights — an issue that hasn’t previously worked for GOP candidates in swing states.

About Equality Ohio:  

Equality Ohio works to advance lived and legal equality for LGBTQ+ Ohioans through

education, advocacy, and community empowerment. Since its founding in 2005, Equality Ohio has been a leading voice in advancing equality and justice in Ohio.

Nov. 20, 2024

media@equalityohio.org

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