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Members of the transgender community, allies and state leaders gathered to commemorate Transgender Day of Remembrance at the state Capitol rotunda Wednesday.

Participants held a moment of silence for two trans women, 

, killed within the year. Tsai, of Minneapolis, was found dead of stab wounds in June. Williams was shot and killed in November 2023 in Minneapolis.  

Kat Rohn, executive director of OutFront Minnesota, said in the face of tragedies the state’s trans communities are persevering.

"We are beautiful, we are tenacious, and we will not be erased. For all these efforts to push us out of public life, we come back stronger, prouder and louder, and we will continue to do so,” Rohn said.

Rohn encouraged allies of the trans community to reaffirm their support, especially in public forums.

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, a DFLer, said the Walz administration will stand with the community as the federal government’s leadership changes. 

“We need your voices. We need your leadership, and we need your presence in our communities, because without you, we are not whole,” Flanagan said. “We want you here, and we will continue partnering with you to ensure that Minnesota is a place where everyone can thrive.”

said during the campaign he would prohibit federal funding

 of health facilities that provide gender-affirming care. Trump also ran on a promise to roll back Title IX protections issued by the Biden administration against harassment and discrimination based on gender identity.

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The event held a moment of silence for two trans women, Liara Kaylee Tsai and Savannah Ryan Williams, killed in the last year in Minnesota.

A person closes their eyes as the lead a moment of silence

Ben Hovland | MPR News

A person holds a framed proclamation as they read

A close-up of a trans pride themed beaded bolo tie

'We are tenacious:' Transgender Day of Remembrance marks communities‘ losses, strength

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