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Secretary Of State Rex Tillerson Recognizes Transgender Day Of Remembrance

"The United States honors the memory of the many transgender individuals who have lost their lives to acts of violence.”

The Trump administration has hardly been an ally to the LGBT community, so we were a little surprised to see Secretary of State Rex Tillerson recognize today as Transgender Day of Remembrance.

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WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 16: (AFP OUT) U.S. President Donald Trump (R), joined by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson speaks to the media during a meeting with his cabinet at the White House on October 16, 2017 in Washington, DC. Trump will head to Greer, South Carolina to attend a campaign event for Gov. Henry McMaster. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

“On Transgender Day of Remembrance, the United States honors the memory of the many transgender individuals who have lost their lives to acts of violence,” read a statement posted on the State Department website. “Transgender individuals and their advocates, along with lesbian, gay, bisexual and intersex persons, are facing increasing physical attacks and arbitrary arrests in many parts of the world. Often these attacks are perpetrated by government officials, undermining the rule of law."

Trans Americans "should not be subjected to violence or discrimination," the message added, "and the human rights they share with all persons should be respected."

"The United States remains committed to advancing the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons. These principles are inherent in our own Constitution and drive the diplomacy of the United States."

The State Department under Tillerson previously recognized June as Pride Month.

"Violence and discrimination targeting any vulnerable group undermines our collective security as well as American values," he wrote in a statement. "When all persons are protected on the basis of equality and with dignity, global stability is strengthened. We will continue to support the human rights of LGBTI persons together with like-minded governments, businesses, and civil society organizations globally. The United States remains committed to human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons. Dignity and equality for all persons are among our founding constitutional principles, and these principles continue to drive U.S. diplomacy."

The Trump Administration failed to recognize either TDOR or Pride Month this year.

The Obama Administration began recognizing Transgender Day of Remembrance, which commemorates those killed because of their gender identity or presentation, in 2012.

"Far too often, we hear shocking and tragic stories about transgender people who have been assaulted and even killed because of their gender identity or expression," read a statement from the White House at the time. "The Obama Administration is committed to preventing violence against all people, including all members of the LGBT community, and this meeting was an important opportunity to explore ways to make our communities and neighborhoods safer."

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