Urgent Call to Action: Addressing the Crisis Impacting the Transgender Community in Washington D.C.
#WECANTBREATHE
WASHINGTON D.C., Transgender Day of Remembrance — data has revealed a growing crisis impacting the
transgender community in Washington D.C. The lack of resources, direct services, mental health, housing, and
the escalating opioid crisis are creating a dire situation that requires immediate attention and action.
The data shows that transgender individuals in D.C. are disproportionately affected by homelessness,
unemployment, and substance abuse. This is largely due to the loss of access to direct services over prior years,
limited resources that were replaced by the loss of direct service providers, and support services being replaced.
The opioid crisis, in particular, has hit this community hard, with a significant increase in opioid-related deaths
among transgender individuals in the past year.
The displacement of transgender community members, following the loss of one of the largest transgender direct
service providers, has led to a survival mode mentality. This has resulted in transgender D.C. residents falling out
of healthcare, returning to substance use, couch surfing, survival sex work, and an increase in violence and
murders of transgender people in Washington D.C.
“We are witnessing a crisis that is tearing at the fabric of our transgender community,” said “The lack of
resources and services, coupled with the opioid epidemic, is creating a perfect storm of hardship for our
transgender neighbors. We must act now to provide the support they need.”
The data also reveals a severe shortage of safe, affordable housing for transgender individuals, leading to
increased rates of homelessness. This lack of stable housing further exacerbates the challenges faced by this
community, including increased vulnerability to violence and limited access to employment and healthcare.
“We are calling on policymakers, community leaders, and citizens to join us in addressing these urgent issues,
“We need to create a comprehensive plan that includes increased funding for direct services, expanded access to
affordable housing, and targeted efforts to combat the opioid crisis within the transgender community.”
This crisis is not just a transgender issue; it’s a human rights issue. We urge everyone to join us in advocating for
the rights and well-being of our transgender neighbors. Together, we can create a more inclusive, supportive, and
equitable D.C.
