TGEU report warns of sharp rise in killings of trans activists worldwide

A new update from Trans Europe and Central Asia’s Trans Murder Monitoring 2025 (TMM) project has revealed a troubling global trend: an increasing number of trans movement leaders and activists are being killed. According to the organisation, 14% of all reported murders in the past year were activists — making them the second most targeted occupational group after sex workers.

The findings were released to mark the start of Trans Awareness Week 2025, ahead of Trans Day of Remembrance on 20 November.

Between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025, at least 281 trans and gender-diverse people were murdered worldwide. Since TGEU began monitoring cases in 2009, the global total has reached 5,322.

The data shows that trans women and transfeminine people remain disproportionately targeted, accounting for 90% of reported murders. Black and Brown trans people continue to be over-represented, making up 88% of victims.

Latin America and the Caribbean remain the regions with the highest number of cases, representing 68% of all murders. Brazil tops the list for the 18th consecutive year. The United States recorded 31 cases, down from 41 in 2024, while Europe reported five.

Nearly half of all murders (44%) involved firearms. One in four victims were killed on the street, and 22% in their own homes. Sex workers continue to be the most targeted group by occupation, accounting for 34% of cases.

TGEU officials warned that rising violence against activists is linked to increasingly hostile political discourse.

Dikshitha Ganesan, TGEU’s Policy Manager, said:

“In the last two years, murders of trans activists and movement leaders have doubled. This rise is a deliberate attempt to silence those defending freedom and equality. Governments must act now to protect trans human rights defenders.”

Freya Watkins, Senior Research Officer, added:

“Every murdered activist represents a silenced community. Governments and institutions must support civil society, harmonise hate-crime laws, and decriminalise sex work to end this violence.”

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