FBANC Statement in Honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance
November 24, 2022
On this year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance, FBANC mourns our transgender, non-binary, and intersex friends and family whose lives were cut short by horrific acts of brutality, including 37 individuals in the United States in 2022 alone, five of whom were victims in the recent act of domestic terrorism at Club Q Colorado Springs on November 19, 2022.
As an organization committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and equitable space for all, FBANC condemns those who continue to choose hatred, bigotry, and violence. The ongoing assault, ranging from the murder in Colorado Springs to homophobic and transphobic legislation against the LGBTQIA+ community, must stop. The disproportionate targeting of Black and Brown transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals in the United States and around the world is felt deeply by FBANC. As we mourn for the dead, we must defend the rights and fight for the dignity of the living.
FBANC, with the guidance of the FBANC LGBTQIA+ Committee, calls on the LGBTQIA+ community to process this trauma with grace and compassion for mental health, and to continue boldly existing in safe spaces surrounded by joy and love. FBANC calls especially on LGBTQIA+ allies to not stand idly as the LGBTQIA+ community faces attacks and violence. Just as Army veteran, Richard Fierro, sprung into action on Saturday night in Club Q to protect his family members and friends, FBANC urges the community to speak up with and for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, many of whom are our colleagues, neighbors, and loved ones. Silence and inaction propagate these targeted attacks.
With this statement, FBANC renews its commitment to advocate collectively and relentlessly for a safer and more just society. The Club Q shooting serves as a sobering reminder that, although living openly and authentically is encouraged, choosing to do so remains dangerous and deadly.
FBANC grieves the beautiful lives that were unjustifiably lost this past weekend. FBANC remembers and honors their names:
Raymond Green Vance (he/him)
Kelly Loving (she/her)
Daniel Aston (he/him)
Derrick Rump (he/him)
Ashley Paugh (she/her)
FBANC stands in solidarity with the survivors of this tragic incident: the 17 injured, and the community that will forever live with harrowing memories of senseless violence.
FBANC demands that the grief felt by the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies not be in vain. FBANC demands that queer stories of joy and existence not be erased. This means changes in policies and of the heart, in spheres both interpersonal and professional, that seek to end transphobic and homophobic attitudes wherever they linger. This means choosing empathy, kindness, and bravery, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
FBANC understands that seeking accountability through the justice system is both an important step and also not enough. Real and lasting change requires a collective approach centered on coalition building, unrelenting advocacy, and unwavering compassion. As transgender author and activist Janet Mock once said, “When marginalized people gain voice and center their own experiences, things begin changing. And we see this in all kinds of grassroots movements.” FBANC urges the community to support local and national organizations directly engaged in the fight against LGBTQIA+ discrimination and hate, including, but not limited to: Oasis Legal Services (Berkeley, CA), The Transgender Law Center (Oakland, CA), the SF LGBT Center, and organizations that address issues faced by both AAPI and LGBTQIA+ individuals such as the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance and Lavender Phoenix.
FBANC encourages its members to reach out individually to friends and loved ones who are impacted. For more information, please contact FBANC LGBTQIA+ Committee co-chairs, Joey Badua (he/him) and Melani Tiongson (she/her) or FBANC President Raymond Rollan (he/him).
