On the eve of Trans Day of Remembrance, I see that Puerto Rico is the invisible center of transgender violence in the U.S. Six trans women have died there in the last year, eight more have been beaten and left for dead. Yet, because the local amazing organizers have so few resources, most of the TDOR lists don't even record these tragic deaths. The local group, Transexuals and Transgenders on the Move, has decried the fact that none of these murders are being classified as hate crimes. Further, they feel that requiring cultural competency training of all police and justice personnel will be a major step towards creating a safer environment for all LGBTT people in Puerto Rico, most especially the most vulnerable people, trans women related to the sex work industry. In honor of my friend Sophia, the spokewoman who is doing such amazing work organizing the local trans women around health and safety issues, please stand up with me and demand that Puerto Rico government take steps to protect their trans women and all LGBTT people immediately!

For more information, see the blog post here: http://lgbthealthequity.wordpress.com/2011/11/18/trans-murders-severely-undercounted-in-puerto-rico-community-health-advocates-call-for-immediate-changes-to-honor-transgender-day-of-remembrance-on-1120/