White House helps mark Transgender Day Of Remembrance

Washington, D.C. - The White House on Wednesday released a statement marking the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR).

"This day is an opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives to violence and injustice because of their gender identity or gender expression," the White House wrote.

The first Transgender Day of Remembrance was held in 1999 to memorialize the murder of Rita Hester, a transgender African-American woman whose 1998 murder remains unsolved. According to the organizers behind TDoR, hundreds of transgender people were murdered this year.

"The Obama administration remains committed to preventing violence against all people, including all members of the LGBT community."

At a White House reception in June to mark LGBT Pride Month, President Obama said: "The genius of America is that America can change. And people who love this country can change it. That's what we're called to do. And I hope that when we gather here next year, and the year after that, we'll be able to say, with pride and confidence, that together we've made our fellow citizens a little more free. We've made this country a little more equal. We've made our world a little more full of love."