Global violence against trans people remains high, despite some regional progress; legal and social challenges persist across Europe.
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Between September 2024 and October, over 281 trans and intersex individuals were murdered globally, according to data compiled by Transgender Europe’s Trans Killings Observatory, though this figure is considered only the tip of the iceberg. While this number is slightly lower than last year’s 350, it remains deeply concerning as it highlights the severe threat against trans lives. The observatory notes that the decrease might reflect reduced media reporting rather than increased safety. Since 2008, recorded killings have reached 5,322, with most victims being trans women or gender-nonconforming individuals who are Black/brown, migrants, or refugees. Trans activists now constitute 14% of these killings, up from sex workers at 34%, indicating an attempt to silence those advocating for trans rights. Three out of four such murders occur in Latin America and the Caribbean, with nearly one-third happening in Brazil.
In Greece, a silent remembrance march has been held annually since 2009 on International Trans Memory Day (November 20th) to urge authorities to act against transphobia. Experts point out that while hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals remain high in Greece, the legal framework is inadequate; gender identity recognition remains judicial with limitations, hate speech is not criminalized under anti-racism laws, and the country has not adopted the WHO’s ICD-11, leading to trans people being classified as “mentally disturbed.”
Globally, data shows rising hate crimes. In the first half of 2025, police recorded 29 racist attacks against LGBTQ+ individuals, with 13 targeting trans and gender-nonconforming people, compared to 26 in 2024. Experts link this rise to unchecked hate speech.
Regional trends show mixed results: New York City’s Mayor Hochulani Mamdani has pledged support for trans individuals, while France reports that one in four reported incidents involved transphobia and media coverage often uses stigmatizing language. In Ireland, surveys indicate high comfort levels with transgender people but lower acceptance regarding their children being in relationships with them. Spain saw a progressive law allowing self-determination of gender identity without medical requirements in 2023, but regional governments have since rolled back these rights, reintroducing psychological evaluations for medical services and removing diversity promotion from schools. Despite initial progress, one in four trans people in Spain experienced physical or sexual assault last year.
