Gov. Whitmer Honors Trans Day Of Remembrance With Promise To Keep Fighting
Michigan governor reaffirms commitment to protecting transgender community amid rising anti-trans legislation nationwide
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer marked Trans Day of Remembrance with an Instagram reel honoring transgender lives lost to violence while calling out the growing wave of anti-trans legislation sweeping the country.
"Today is Trans Day of Remembrance, a day to honor the lives of our trans neighbors, family, and friends who have been taken from us by violence, hatred, and ignorance," Whitmer said in the Instagram post. "Across the country, anti-trans extremists are working hard to harm the trans community. They're making the world more unsafe for our trans neighbors."
The governor, who was first elected in 2018 , framed her support for the trans community as part of her broader commitment to all Michiganders as she approaches her last year in office before being termed out. Leading candidates for Michigan's top leadership heading into 2026 include Democrats Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, departing Independent Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, and Republicans U.S. Rep. John James and former Attorney General Mike Cox.
"When I was elected in 2018, I made a promise to fight for all Michiganders, no matter who they are or who they love," she said. "I've kept my promise by fighting like hell to make sure everyone can feel safe and secure. Today and every day, I promise I'll keep fighting for every Michigander to have safety, dignity, and opportunity because trans rights are human rights."
Whitmer's message comes one month after she declared October Transgender Empowerment Month in Michigan, recognizing the contributions of transgender and gender-expansive people while acknowledging the discrimination they face.
Trans Day of Remembrance, observed annually on Nov. 20, memorializes transgender people killed in acts of anti-trans violence.
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