Seventy-one people gone. Seventy-one innocent souls lost. Seventy-one friends, lovers, sisters, brothers lost to violence. That’s how many transgender people were lost to violence over the past year. At least, that’s how many we know of.

Nov. 20 was Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) and was marked with a ceremony at the Pride Center in Wilton Manors. The community gathered to say the names of those and confront a truth that has come into sharp focus over the past year: we must support each other because society will not.

“When you live in a society and a culture that produces shame and stigma and inflicts it on the transgender individual, unfortunately those that support us the most also get stigmatized and shamed,” trans activist Misty "Eyez" Alicia said.

Society’s indifference or open hostility to the trans community takes its toll. Nearly 20% of trans deaths are the result of domestic violence and half are suicides. Many if not most are black women.

The backdrop of the stage was a pair of banners with the pictures and names of just a fraction of the victims who died simply for living their truth openly and unapologetically.

Adrianna Tender led the event, noting that at 50-years-old she has exceeded the average life expectancy of a trans woman. “One word floods my spirit: favor. My journey is not easy, there are countless moments of pain and sacrifice. Each part of my journey shaped me to be the woman who stands before you here today.”

Local entertainers kept the crowd engaged. Kimberly Venom stunned as she performed in a white gown that made her appear to be an angel as she sang Sia’s empowering hit Titanium.

Federal and Florida policies are unapologetically anti-trans. Even allies have backed off from public and financial support. Pulling together funds for events like TDOR is challenging and won’t get easier any time soon.

Before the presentation, people helped themselves to a buffet and drinks while embracing old friends. The hugs, laughter, and camaraderie were a relief. But the relief was overshadowed by the seventy-one friends who weren’t there, and never will be.

Screenshot via OutSFL Live, YouTube.