WASHINGTON— DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement today on Transgender Day of Remembrance:

“Today on the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance it is important for all Americans to remember the Trans lives we have lost to violence over the last year. We sadly have too many to remember, and tragically the number of Trans women murdered thus far is already greater than all of last year. 

“Tamara Dominguez. Elisha Walker. Amber Monroe. Just three of the scores of lives taken from their families and friends much too soon.

“Disproportionately women of color, these individuals simply wanted to live their lives like all of us, true to themselves with the fundamental right to work, live happily, and contribute to society.  Their deaths must be remembered, and their lives must be honored.

“The recent campaign against the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance that capitalized on misunderstanding of Trans people is a watershed learning moment as we continue to work towards basic protections, such as the Equality Act in Congress. Democrats overwhelmingly support the Equality Act, but there is so much work that must be done to combat transgender violence, discrimination, and misunderstanding nationwide. Democrats are committed to the legislative and community solutions necessary to protect and uplift the Trans community.”