Every year on November 20, we commemorate trans people who have lost their lives due to transphobic violence around the world. Between October 2024 and September 2025, there are 342 reports of trans people who have lost their lives due to violence.  

This is also a day to reflect on the hate and violence that is directed towards trans people every day, whether through interpersonal interactions or in systems such as education, healthcare, organized sports, and other areas.  

Violence against trans people has been escalating for the past several years everywhere around the world, including Canada. According to Statistics Canada, police-reported hate crimes targeting gender identity or gender expression more than doubled between 2020 and 2023. Since most hate crimes are not reported, we know that this is only the tip of the iceberg.  

In Canada, laws that directly target or negatively impact trans people are now being passed or debated in many provinces, including gender-affirming care bans, Pride flag bans, and forced outing laws. Legislators are debating and denying trans peoples’ basic rights and access to services based on prejudice and assumptions, without asking trans people themselves or understanding their needs. This creates further discrimination and spreads negative ideas about trans people that then leads to further prejudice, hate, and sometimes violence. We must stop this cycle and end the prejudice and violence against trans people. CEIU remains committed to protecting human rights and stands in solidarity with our trans members and all trans people across Canada and around the world. 

• Remember: On November 20, take a few moments to learn about and commemorate the trans people who have lost their lives or take part in a vigil in your community. 
  
• Learn more: Find information about common questions and common myths and misconceptions regarding trans people and gender identity.  
  
• Connect with us: Check out our website and reach out to the CEIU Human Rights and Race Relations Committee for more information about the work CEIU is doing to advance human rights.