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Public testimony and supervisors call for urgent action after string of murders of transgender women of color
Summary
More than two hours of public comment and multiple supervisors27 in memoriams focused on recent murders of transgender women of color. Speakers and supervisors called for immediate resources: housing, violence-prevention funding, culturally specific services and a city hearing on the Human Rights Commission/LGBT Center report.
Public comment at the Board of Supervisors27 Feb. 10 meeting was dominated by appeals for urgent action after a series of murders of transgender women of color, including an in memoriam for Taja Gabriel De Jesus.
Supervisor Campos introduced the request to adjourn in memory of Taja Gabriel De Jesus and called for a hearing based on a recent Human Rights Commission and San Francisco LGBT Center report, saying the report documents alarming violence and high levels of fear among transgender residents. Campos said the report found that "60 percent of transgender Latinas feel unsafe walking around during the day in the neighborhoods that we're talking about," and urged that the city take proactive measures.
Multiple supervisors expressed condolences and support and said policy steps are needed. Supervisor Cohen said the city must respond in a "measured and thoughtful" way and called for coordination. Supervisor Wiener described the pattern of killings as "jarring" and urged the city to ensure safety for transgender residents. Supervisor Marr and others emphasized intersectional issues of race and transphobia.
Dozens of speakers from community organizations and individuals addressed the board during the public-comment period, including representatives of the Transgender Law Center, TGI Justice Project, Taja's Coalition and service providers. Testimony repeatedly demanded concrete actions: more housing targeted to transgender people, sustained funding for trans-specific services, violence-prevention programming, training and accountability for emergency-room and law-enforcement responses, and an end to proposals to build new jail beds when advocates say those resources should be reallocated to community services.
Speakers described personal and community impacts: attacks, trafficking, homelessness and lack of culturally appropriate shelter and services. Several speakers said local management had prevented peaceful gatherings at City Hall, and organizers objected to what they described as inconsistent treatment of trans-led demonstrations.
The board recorded in memoriams for homicide victims including Taja Gabriel De Jesus. Supervisors and community leaders said the next steps should include a formal hearing, targeted investments in housing and services, and an ongoing partnership with trans-led organizations to develop and implement solutions.
