At the state level, transgender and gender non-conforming people in California are explicitly protected from discrimination in employment, housing, education and public spaces. California does include sexual orientation and gender identity as a protected characteristic in its hate crimes law. Though we have recently seen some political gains that support and affirm transgender people, we have also faced unprecedented anti-LGBTQ+ attacks in the states. In the most recent state legislative season, more than 525 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were considered, with more than 220 of those specifically targeting transgender Americans.
We must demand better from our elected officials and reject harmful anti-transgender legislation at the local, state and federal levels, while also considering every possible way to make ending this violence a reality. It is clear that fatal violence disproportionately affects transgender women of color, especially Black transgender women like DéVonnie. The intersections of racism, transphobia, sexism, biphobia and homophobia conspire to deprive them of necessities to live and thrive, so we must all work together to cultivate acceptance, reject hate and end stigma for everyone in the trans and gender non-conforming community.
More resources:
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Learn more about the fatal violence cases that HRC is tracking where details are unclear. You may find a list of these cases here.
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Watch this PSA campaign elevating stories of trans joy and love.
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Join HRC’s CountMeIn campaign to take action for transgender and non-binary people.
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Read these guidelines and this FAQ for journalists to ensure greater accuracy and respect in reporting.
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Learn about how transgender and non-binary people are combating transphobia, stigma and anti-trans violence through our Celebrating Changemakers series.
