International Women’s Day 2020

On the occasion of the International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8 March, TGEU joins the voices of trans people around the world in denouncing oppression, violence, and hate against women and non-binary people in all spheres of life.

Today we call for the unconditional support of trans women of colour, poor women, non-binary disabled people. We stand in solidarity with women whose wellbeing and lives are threatened by misogyny and sexism, as well as by transphobia, racism, xenophobia, ableism, and anti-sex worker sentiments. We honour the lives of trans women of colour who face chronic worldwide violence, resulting in an average life expectancy of only 35 years.[1] According to the Transrespect versus Transphobia Worldwide project, the majority of trans people reported murdered in the US and Europe are trans women of colour.[2] We call on governments and those in the upper echelons of power to respect, safeguard, and fulfil the rights of all women and gender non-conforming people.

Inclusion matters. Now more than ever, we need to embrace diversity and challenge gender norms that isolate, silence, and perpetuate harm on women and gender non-conforming people. We urge activists and policymakers worldwide to illuminate the invaluable contributions of women including those who are trans and gender non-conforming who are fighting for a safer and equitable world.

To that end, TGEU is sharing the stories of loss, hope, and resilience of two trans women of colour refugees as examples of the challenges faced by many trans and gender non-conforming women. Read, share, and please remember to support the visibility and equality of trans women and non-binary people everywhere, every day.