More stigmatized and marginalized than any other segment of our community, trans-people are more likely to experience sexual violence than any other segment of the LGBTQ community. While violent hate crimes can happen to any of us, trans-people of color are especially susceptible to society\u2019s trans-phobia and racism, and trans-women are more likely to experience violence, especially domestic violence.<\/p>\n
Trans-people\u2019s common experience of job discrimination culminates in higher levels of poverty, which renders even them more vulnerable to violence since such instabilities as financial problems and housing insecurity make it harder to access available resources and protections.<\/p>\n
I ardently await the day when the onset of long overdue respect, acceptance, and inclusiveness finally bury such disheartening realities. I would love for people to understand that trans-people are just people \u2014 that we are all someone\u2019s child, sister, aunt, cousin, and soulmate, just like they are. And yet for all the above reasons, until that day arrives, it is pivotal that we establish federal protections under the law for the sake of transgender individuals.<\/p>\n