"Today, NCTE is in solemn vigil for the transgender people we've lost to senseless anti-transgender violence. Transgender Day of Remembrance is a chilling reminder that the work we all do too often comes too late for many in our community. So, today, we reflect on the people we've lost. And tomorrow, we renew our commitment to ending the discrimination and violence that keeps many more of us imprisoned with fear."

As part of Transgender Day of Remembrance, NCTE Executive Director Mara Keisling and NCTE Director of Policy Harper Jean Tobin, along with two dozen other transgender advocates, joined the White House observance of Transgender Day of Remembrance. John Berry, Director of the Office of Personnel Management, led the group in a moment of silence to honor transgender victims of violence.

"To have a senior Administration official leading us in commemorating transgender victims of violence is a good thing" said Keisling. "But to have President Barack Obama's commitment to solving anti-transgender violence affirmed in today's meeting is a great thing," Keisling added.

NCTE invites transgender people and their allies to honor the lives of transgender people lost to hate and violence by attending a Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil in your area. Vigils can be found here: www.transgenderdor.org .

The National Center for Transgender Equality is a national social justice organization devoted to ending discrimination and violence against transgender people through education and advocacy on national issues of importance to transgender people. By empowering transgender people and our allies to educate and influence policymakers and others, NCTE facilitates a strong and clear voice for transgender equality in our nation's capital and around the country. The National Center for Transgender Equality is a 501(c)3 organization.