Transgender Day of Remembrance

Floor Speech

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Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Massachusetts for yielding.

I know the gentlewoman has read the names of the Black trans women who were taken from us far too soon due to bigotry, hatred, and transphobia that is running rampant in our country, but if she will permit me, I will also enter their names. I will read them aloud. I believe we should honor them not just once but many times over.

So, I rise in honor of Dana Martin, Jazzaline Ware, Ashanti Carmon, Claire Legato, Muhlaysia Booker, Michelle ``Tamika'' Washington, Paris Cameron, Chynal Lindsey, Chanel Scurlock, Zoe Spears, Brooklyn Lindsey, Denali Berries Stuckey, Tracy Single, Bubba Walker, Kiki Fantroy, Jordan Cofer, Pebbles LaDime ``Dime'' Doe, Bailey Reeves, Bee Love Slater, Jamagio Jamar Berryman, Itali Marlowe, and Brianna ``BB'' Hill.

These are the names we know of transgender and nonconforming people who have been killed in America in the year 2019, so far.

We cannot ignore this epidemic that is plaguing the trans community. We cannot forget their stories. We cannot stop fighting to protect trans lives.

On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, we remember their names.

I would like to say also that I appreciated that our Speaker met today with actress and activist Ms. Ross, who is quite a champion of transgender people. Our Democratic Caucus chairman, Hakeem Jeffries, led a roundtable. Many Members of Congress appeared at that roundtable to listen to the needs of the transgender community. I thank them for showing their support today.

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