Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement to mark the Transgender Day of Remembrance:

“Each year on November 20, we honour the memory of transgender people who have been killed in acts of transphobic violence.

“Transgender people are increasingly visible in our communities. They are our neighbours, our friends, our family. A growing number of transgender people are speaking out, running for elected office and fighting to be recognized without prejudice. Yet when doing so, many put their safety at risk. Transgender people going about their daily lives are often subject to hateful crimes.

“We denounce these violent acts, and we stand with transgender, gender-diverse and two-spirited communities in support of their right to be who they are.

“I am proud that British Columbia prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression. British Columbia gives transgender people explicit protections under the Province's Human Rights Code.

“A person’s identity can never be erased. Today and always, we remember those we have lost. Together, we will build a more just and inclusive province.”