Gender-based violence (GBV) is not limited to physical acts of aggression. It is also the persistent erosion of dignity, the undermining of self-worth, and the denial of the fundamental right to live equally. It leaves behind invisible wounds that scar the soul, inflicts fear that shadows every step, and forces countless individuals into silence. GBV is not a collection of isolated incidents, it is a shared tragedy of a society where unjust systems sustain oppression, and people are coerced into conforming to arbitrary norms they never chose.

Globally, research and policy on GBV have long focused almost exclusively on heterosexual women, leaving the cries of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals unheard. When statistics omit them, when policies ignore them, and when their stories go unacknowledged, it is a denial of their very existence. Yet, they are here—living, walking through judgmental stares, enduring constant threats of violence, assault, and even death—simply for having the courage to live as their authentic selves.

Every day, transgender individuals step out into a world where they fear being mocked, insulted, or attacked without anyone to protect them. Many are denied medical care, rejected by their families, and discriminated against when seeking honest work. And tragically, some never return home, becoming victims of a violent society that deems them unworthy of existence. Still, in the face of such adversity, they continue to fight, not just for themselves, but for the generations that follow, for the young people lost in a world of prejudice, longing for a future where they don’t have to hide who they are. Their voices may be drowned out by stigma, but they have never been extinguished. Justice is not a privilege—it is a human right, and until the world becomes truly safe for all, this fight must go on.

The statistics surrounding violence against transgender people are stark, but they fail to capture the depth of suffering experienced by those who live in fear each day. Each number represents a human life: a future stolen, a family shattered, a dream forever lost. According to Trans Murder Monitoring, at least 4,042 transgender individuals were murdered globally between 2008 and 2022. In 2022 alone, 327 lives were taken—nearly one person per day—simply for living in alignment with their gender identity.

Yet violence is not limited to murder. Behind these statistics lie countless victims of sexual violence, beatings, harassment, and psychological abuse. Transgender individuals not only face the threat of death but also suffer constant humiliation, torture, and the stripping away of their most basic rights: the right to safety, the right to dignity. In the United States, from 2008 to 2016, 165 transgender people were murdered, with most victims being transgender women of color, who face the compounded effects of racism and gender discrimination. These individuals are not only victims of GBV but are also pushed into dangerous circumstances by societal systems that offer them no refuge.

This violence is not an isolated occurrence but a systemic issue perpetuated by societal silence and indifference. A 2021 report by the National Center for Transgender Equality found that 54% of transgender people had experienced sexual harassment, 47% had been physically assaulted, and 29% had faced sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. Yet perhaps the most terrifying aspect of these figures is not the numbers themselves, but the silence forced upon victims. Many do not speak up, not because they lack the will to fight, but because they know their voices may not be heard. They fear stigma, blame, and rejection by legal systems that should be protecting them but often respond with coldness or even contempt.

Imagine walking down the street constantly looking over your shoulder, unsure when someone might attack you. Imagine having to hide who you are because revealing your identity might cost you your life. Imagine a mother mourning her child simply because society refused to accept their existence. These numbers may seem abstract, but the tragedies behind them are real, and if we remain silent, they will only grow in number.

The roots of GBV against transgender individuals lie not only in personal prejudice but in deeply unjust social systems. In many countries, especially those with conservative ideologies, transgender people are seen as “deviant” or “sick.” These harmful beliefs enable violence to occur without condemnation. Discrimination is reinforced by legal, educational, and religious institutions. Transgender people are pushed to society’s margins, disowned by their families, discriminated against in schools and workplaces, and attacked in public without protection.

Legal protection is sorely lacking. Only 14 countries legally recognize transgender rights, and even fewer have laws to protect them from violence and discrimination. Even where such laws exist, they are rarely enforced. Police may refuse to process complaints or even abuse their power against transgender individuals. This lack of tangible legal support leaves them among the most vulnerable groups in society.

In some countries, punitive laws criminalize the public presence of transgender individuals, making them easy targets. They can be arrested for their appearance, denied access to healthcare and education, or prevented from updating identity documents to reflect their true gender. These policies not only violate basic human rights but also embolden discrimination and violence.

Support services are also woefully inadequate. Few violence prevention programs specifically address transgender needs. Domestic violence and sexual assault centers often lack inclusive policies, leaving transgender people without access to critical services. They are routinely denied medical care, psychological counseling, and legal aid, making their lives even more precarious.

The consequences of GBV extend far beyond physical harm, leaving deep psychological scars that haunt survivors throughout their lives. Living in constant fear and alienation, many transgender individuals suffer from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They live in defense mode, even in places that should offer safety. They are alive, but not truly living.

Discrimination infiltrates every aspect of life, from education and employment to housing and healthcare. Many transgender individuals lose their jobs after coming out, are refused housing due to landlords’ biases, or are cast out by their families and rendered homeless. Access to education is often limited due to bullying and lack of institutional protection, forcing many to drop out early. When people are denied the right to learn, to work, or to have a roof over their heads, what hope do they have left?

All of this leads to a frightening reality: an increased risk of suicide. When the world shuts you out, when every door slams shut in your face, and when those who should protect you turn their backs, what options remain? Research by The Trevor Project shows that over 40% of transgender youth have seriously considered suicide—a figure far higher than the general population. These are not just numbers. They are thousands of lives lost in despair, voices silenced before they could cry for help. These individuals did not die because of who they are: they died because the world refused to let them live as themselves.

Violence kills not only with weapons, but also with stigma, indifference, and neglect. When a transgender person takes their own life, it is not their identity that killed them but it is the society that denied them the right to exist.

To change this devastating reality, we must act on multiple fronts. Legal systems must be reformed to explicitly protect transgender rights and ensure that laws are enforced. Public awareness campaigns and educational programs must challenge deep-seated biases and foster empathy and understanding. Governments, NGOs, and communities must collaborate to build support networks that provide shelter, counseling, medical care, and legal aid to survivors of violence. Schools, workplaces, and public services must implement policies that create safe spaces and actively prevent discrimination.

GBV against transgender people is not just a personal issue—it is a collective wound in our society. Those who suffer violence lose not only their safety, but often their very lives, due to the community’s indifference. Transgender individuals are not asking for special treatment; they simply want to live authentically, without fear. It is time for us—as a global society—to act, to speak up, and to fight for a just world where every person, regardless of their gender identity, has the right to exist and be respected.