This year’s Week Against Transphobia is observed Monday, November 13, to Monday, November 20, but events are kicking off early! Spearheaded by the Latino Commission on AIDS and its Zero Transphobia Campaign, the weeklong event includes numerous in-person and virtual events centering the transgender community. The 2023 theme is “It Ends With Us.”

The week culminates with the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) on November 20.

“Overall, the campaign highlights the urgent need to combat transphobia and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, with a focus on empowering communities to take a stand and make a difference,” explain the campaign organizers, including the Oasis Community Pride Center in New York City. “It’s a call for solidarity and action to ensure a more inclusive and just society for all.

“That’s why this year the Zero Transphobia campaign is asking you to take a stand against transphobia and tell your friends, colleagues and community that ‘It Ends With Us.’ Share why or how you are committing to confront transphobia and its manifestations for the dignity and life of trans folks in your community.”

The Week Against Transphobia coincides with the more general Transgender Awareness Week. The LGBTQ media advocacy group GLAAD describes it as “a week when transgender people and their allies take action to bring attention to the trans community by educating the public about who transgender people are, sharing stories and experiences, and advancing advocacy around issues of prejudice, discrimination and violence that affect the transgender community.”

To find events in your area, search social media for the hashtags #itendswithus, #itendswithme, #zerotransphobia and #transawarenessweek. Sample posts are embedded throughout this news item.

You can view a list of Zero Transphobia events here, including a virtual campaign kick-off panel Monday, November 13, 3:30 to 4:30 Eastern time, and an Atlanta TDOR Brunch (for Black and Brown trans and gender-nonconforming folk) on Sunday, November 19, from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. at SisterLove Mother House.

The Zero Transphobia Campaign and its related Zero Homophobia Campaign were launched in 2019 after the Latino Commission on AIDS recognized that “homophobia and transphobia must be abated on local, national and international levels to eradicate the health disparities ravaging Hispanic/Latinx communities.”

The Zero Campaign organizers spell out the key issues to consider in supporting transgender and gender-nonconforming communities:

  • High Rates of Discrimination: LGBTQ+ individuals, especially trans individuals, face high rates of everyday discrimination, which can lead to various mental and physical health challenges. This includes depression, HIV and chronic health conditions.

  • Lack of Nondiscrimination Laws: In many U.S. states, there are no comprehensive nondiscrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in areas such as health care, employment, housing and public life. This legal gap leaves millions of LGBTQ+ individuals vulnerable to discrimination.

  • Anti-Trans Legislation: The introduction and passage of anti-trans bills in various states have created an environment of discrimination and violence against trans individuals. These bills contribute to harmful narratives and perpetuate inequality.

  • High Rates of Violence: Trans individuals are disproportionately affected by violence, facing four times higher rates of physical violence and other forms of victimization, such as property destruction. Tragically, there have been 25 murders of trans individuals in the U.S. this year.

  • Community Solidarity: The campaign calls on individuals to stand against transphobia, spread awareness and take action to protect the dignity and lives of trans individuals. It emphasizes the importance of sharing your commitment to confronting transphobia with friends, colleagues and the community.

Intersectionality: Recognizing the intersectional experiences of being both LGBTQ+ and Latine is crucial for understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ Latinos. Engaging with Black, brown and trans leaders of color is an essential part of this effort.

To learn more about HIV in specific populations, visit the POZ Basics on HIV and Transgender People and HIV and Latinos. Both groups are disproportionately affected by the epidemic. For example, although Latino people make up 19% of the U.S. population, they accounted for $29% of new HIV cases in 2019.