House Equality Caucus Holds Landmark Congressional Forum on Trans Violence

The Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus hosted a landmark forum addressing issues of violence against the transgender community. The forum was held on November 17 at 2 p.m. in the Rayburn House Office Building.�Members of Congress heard testimony from survivors of violence, community organizers, advocates and policy experts.
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The testimony came in two panels.�The first panel, chaired by Rep. Mike Honda, represented the lived experience of transgender people who face violence, particularly transgender people of color.�Members heard from community organizers, advocates and service providers who work every day to combat the epidemic of violence.�Some of these organizers were victims of violence themselves and discussed how their experiences shaped their work and the impact on violence on the community.
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"This week, as we seek to raise awareness of the issues facing the trans community, it is important to renew our commitment to help trans individuals be free of the fear of violence or bullying just for being who they are," said Congressman Mike Honda (D-Silicon Valley), Chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force and Vice Chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus. "It is my hope that by launching this workforce and holding a first-ever forum, we will reach some of my colleagues and encourage them to stand with the trans community. It is only through social change that we can truly elevate the conversation in this country and reach a place of true understanding and embrace all people for who they are."

The second panel, chaired by Rep. Mark Takano, included the voices from some of the largest LGBT advocacy organizations in the country.�These policy experts discussed how the federal government can help eradicate bias motivated violence against transgender people.
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"I was pleased to join today's forum hosted by the Equality Caucus to discuss violence against the transgender community and hear testimony from advocates on what Congress can do to respond," said Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer. "Violence against the transgender community must not be tolerated, and I will continue to support efforts to end violence, discrimination, and inequality in communities across the country. I thank the Equality Caucus for hosting this forum -- the first of its kind -- to focus Congress on this important issue and for their work to end this epidemic of violence."
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"We all celebrate the great strides we've made in recent years in the 'LGBT rights movement.' But too many times, the 'T' in 'LGBT' has been an afterthought," said Congressman Jared Polis (CO-02), Co-Chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus.� "We need this task force because we need Congress to understand that trans people exist, and we need to take action on behalf of our trans constituents -- so that they have equal treatment under the law and no longer have to fear for their personal safety."

Congressman Adam Schiff (CA-28), Vice-Chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus , said that the recent and extreme increase in violence targeted at the transgender community necessitates action at the national level, adding that it was her hope that Congress would move forward on solutions discussed.

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"Targeted violence against any community in this country can never be tolerated or accepted," said Congressman Joe Kennedy III (MA-4), Member of the Transgender Equality Task Force.� "With twenty-one transgender Americans killed so far this year, our government must act to ensure they are safe in their neighborhoods, workplaces and everywhere in between. Today's hearing was a unique opportunity to hear from advocates and experts as we discuss efforts to ensure that no transgender individual lives under the threat of discrimination, violence or fear."

�Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), Vice Chair of the LGBT Equality Caucu, echoed this sentiment, saying that as a founding member and vice chair of the Congressional LGBT Caucus, she was glad to see this first-ever forum transphobia and violence against the transgender community. Lee said she was proud to have sponsored� H. Res. 263, which supports the goals and ideals of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.
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"While the past year has been one of surging transgender visibility in the wider culture, for too many transgender people -- particularly in communities of color -- it has also been a time of tragedy and loss as every other week we see a report of a transgender woman murdered," said Harper Jean Tobin, Director of Public Policy for the National Transgender Law Center. "This is a public health issue, an economic issue, a police reform issue, a cultural issue, and fundamentally a moral issue about the value of trans lives. This hearing was an important step toward real action to end the violence ravaging our communities."

"These hearings highlight the fact that despite the tremendous strides we have made as a nation toward equality for all, the transgender community has not materially benefited from that progress," added Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Vice-Chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus.�"Hearings like this also keep the bright light of truth focused on the path forward, and are critical to raising awareness to the fact that we still have miles to go on our journey toward becoming a nation that respects and embraces all Americans for who they are."

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