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Today is the 16th International Transgender Day of Remembrance. Held every year on 20 November to remember and honour those who have been killed due to transphobic violence and discrimination across the globe.

Dr Greg Ussher, METRO Chief Executive said:

'All METRO staff and volunteers will be taking time today to remember all those we have lost to transphobic violence and discrimination. We know that over the last year at least 226 trans people have been killed and we remember also those who have taken their own lives.

Our Youth Chances research evidence shows that overwhelmingly trans young people face the most discrimination, disadvantage, abuse and violence. We are currently further analysing our data on trans young people's experiences and we are pleased to have nearly 1000 responses from trans young people. We can see that across the board; at school, in their health and wellbeing and their safety the consistent pattern is that trans young people are faring worse. We know that 44% of LGBTQ young people have thought about suicide but this rises considerably for trans respondents.

Gender diversity is a real and great challenge for society which would should celebrate. Protection in the law is increasing for trans people albeit that there is still a long way to go, but understanding, awareness and attitudes need to catch up more quickly to save lives, stop the violence and embrace gender diversity.

Notes:

  1. Figures on number of murders over the past 12 months from Transgender Europe based on Trans Murder Monitoring Project http://www.tgeu.org/Transgender_Europe_TDOR_Press_Release_October_30_2014
  2. According to recent Home Office figures, the UK saw a 54% increase in transgender hate crimes reported to the police in 2013/14.
  3. Youth Chances is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and is led by METRO in partnership with the University of Greenwich and Ergo Consulting. It is a five year social research project working directly with individuals, providers and commissioners to influence service provision and policy for 16-25 year old LGBTQ youth. www.youthchances.org
  4. Youth Chances results are based on a representative sample of over 7,000 young people and show:
    -42% of LGBTQ young people have sought medical help for anxiety or depression
    - 52% of LGBTQ young people report self-harm either now or in the past
    - 44% of LGBTQ young people have considered suicide