Day 10: Discussing Gender-Based Violence Against Trans and Non-Binary People

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LGBTQIA + Health

Gender based Violence

On Day 10 of the 16 Days of Activism, we are focusing on and acknowledging gender-based violence (GVB) against trans people, non-binary people, and all those who identify outside of the gender binary. We aim to combat transphobic violence both on and offline, ensuring a safe future for trans kids and adults alike.

Why include trans and non-binary people in GVB work?

Recognizing violence faced by trans and gender-expansive individuals (TGEI) and working to dismantle it integral to the fight against GVB.

The continued push for binary understandings of gender identity and gendered behavior perpetuates the harm that TGEI face. When discussing GVB, we must include TGEI in our fight for safety, protection, and justice for those who are affected by GVB. Both TGEI and women are the most likely victims of GVB, often reinforced by patriarchal norms and expectations that inform the gender binary, “Eradicating gender-based violence will require an understanding that gender-based violence is, at its root, a result of rigid gender binaries and norms–and patriarchy’s insistence on enforcing them through physical, emotional, and economic violence,” (Outright International).

As Share-Net’s focus is on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), we recognize the importance of including TGEI in our work. Laws on reproductive health and rights impact us all, trans and cisgender people alike – from access to hormones to reproductive autonomy and functioning. Alongside the rise of anti-SRHR worldwide, there has been an exponential rise in anti-trans sentiment. Fighting for bodily autonomy and access to sexual education are at the core of SRHR and trans rights advocacy. As anti-trans policies are being passed worldwide, it is integral that we are vocal and advocate for the rights and well-being of trans and non-binary individuals.

Cyberviolence against trans and gender-expansive folks runs rampant.

TGEI have been experiencing an unprecedented amount of violence online. This violence comes in many forms: hate speech and rampant anti-trans content, cyberstalking, doxxing, sexual exploitation, forced outing, and constant exposure to negative news on anti- trans policies, physical violence against trans people, and glorification of transphobic public figures. For those with intersectional identities, cyberviolence is 10-fold.

Alongside anti-trans cyberviolence, many TGEI have been able to find community and learn more about themselves through the internet and social media. Online communities can be a safe space to explore, find guides and mentors, meet people with similar experiences, and feel truly seen and understood, “In these places, you allow yourself to be who you are. You do not have to worry about what people think or feel scared. It’s where you can show your real self,” (NerdBot).

The Rise of Transphobic Violence

In a recent study done by the Human Rights Campaign, trans respondents noted that:

43.9% had experienced discrimination
41.7% said that the LGBTQ+ community is facing less acceptance
57.6% said they were less open about their LGBTQ+ identities
58.5% said they were less visible in daily life than a year ago

Alongside harassment, TGEI have repeatedly been victims of physical violence and murder. In a report done by TGEU’s Trans Murder Monitoring 2025 (TMM), they found that in the last year:

281 trans and gender diverse people were reported murdered worldwide.
- Many murders are unreported and underreported because of misgendering, stigma or misreporting in the media, so the real number of murders is likely far higher
90% of reported murders were feminicides (victims were trans women or transfeminine people).
88% of victims were Black or Brown trans people

Many trans and gender-expansive individuals lost their lives to suicide this past year, especially trans youth. A report done by Advocates for Trans Equality found that 61% of TGEI lost to suicide this past year were trans youth ages 15-24. Stigma, hate speech, and trans rights continuously being up for political debate are all factors leading to the suicidality of so many TGEI individuals.

What We Can Do:

While violence against TGEI is very prevalent today, there are many ways we can get active to combat transphobic harm, violence, and rhetoric.

Stay informed and educate friends: Follow trans creators, call out friends for using transphobic language, and keep up with the news. Talking to friends and family can make a huge difference!

Direct action with TGEI in need and organizations supporting them: Donate to mutual aid funds, support a campaign, buy from trans-run and led companies and artists, go to a social event supporting TGEI, help with fundraising – a little goes a long way!

Participate in political action and advocacy: Volunteer for campaigns of politicians supporting trans rights, attend local town halls when rights are up for debate, contact your political representatives and express your support for trans rights and protections, attend a protest, support organizations monitoring trans rights laws!

Organizations Involved

There are several resources online for education, finding community, and getting support – financially, emotionally, and physically. Below is a short list of organizations already doing the work, supporting and fighting for TGEI:

A4TE: Advocates for Trans Equality fights for the legal and political rights of transgender people in America.
Asia Pacific Transgender Network: The mission of APTN is to enable trans and gender diverse people in the Asia Pacific region to organise and advocate for themselves, including with legal gender recognition, health, societal attitudes, stigma and violence, and our right to freedom of movement, education and social protection.
Transgender Europe: TGEU (Trans Europe and Central Asia) is a trans-led nonprofit for the rights and wellbeing of trans people in Europe and Central Asia.
RedLac Trans: RLT is fighting for trans rights in Latin American and the Caribbean.
Egale Canada: EC’s mission is to improve the lives of 2SLGBTQI people in Canada and to enhance the global response to 2SLGBTQI issues.
Point of Pride: PoP provides financial aid and direct support to trans folks in need of health and wellness care.
Black Trans Alliance: BTA’s mission is to support, protect and amplify the voice of black transgender persons in London and the wider community; through advocacy, education, visibility and empowerment.
The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people.
Trans Lifeline: Trans Lifeline connects trans people to the community support and resources needed to survive and thrive.
ILGA-Europe: “We work for a world in which each and every LGBTI person is free, equal and safe, through resourcing and connecting communities, driving political change, and amplifying voices. We strive to provide a solid foundation for activists and organisations, in particular at times of great adversity.”