“This year alone, 22 transgender women across the United States have been murdered –  the highest number in recorded memory. The murder of a single person on the basis of gender identity is an unacceptable tragedy; the murder of 22 people is an epidemic.

“We must stanch this tide of violence and confront the intolerance and prejudice that transgender people – particularly those of color – face on a daily basis. More than that however, we need to address the poverty, domestic abuse and lack of access to proper health care that disproportionately affect transgender people.

“I am thankful to ‘Everything Transgender NYC’ for raising awareness about an issue in desperate need of attention and action. As a member of the LGBT community and as a state lawmaker, I will continue fighting every day in Albany to help guarantee the well-being and safety of all transgender New Yorkers.”