PENNSYLVANIA, USA — The transgender community both nationwide and in Central Pennsylvania remembered those among them who have been killed or died by suicide in the past year as part of the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.
In Harrisburg, members of Governor Shapiro’s advisory commission on LGBTQ affairs commemorated the occasion, and helped place 63 flags on the South Lawn of the Irvis Office Building to commemorate the 63 transgender community members who were killed nationwide in the past year.
"It gives me hope to know that there are people at every level of government standing up for my community, and it will take all of us to do the work together to end transphobia and anti-LGBTQ hatred right here in the commonwealth," said Ashleigh Strange, the Executive Director of the Commission.
In Lancaster, Lancaster Pride held a vigil to both honor those who have died and send a message to the trans community at large.
"Our trans family are afraid with everything that's going on, and we need to show them that they are loved and supported," said Tiffany Shirley, the President of Lancaster Pride. "I just want the trans community to know that they are loved and they are valued, and we are just so grateful that they're here."
The day comes as transgender Americans face further attacks following campaign rhetoric in the presidential election, as well as in Congress.
The Lancaster trans community's plea to the wider public is to simply allow them to exist in peace.
"At the end of the day, we're human beings, and I don't think it's too much to ask to be treated with equity and dignity," said Kris Kitts, a transgender Lancaster resident.