Trans Flags Vanish from Boston Common, Advocates Demand Justice

In Boston, a tribute to trans lives lost was transformed into a crime scene. Over 400 flags, each representing a trans or gender-expansive person killed since 2020, were torn down from Boston Common. LGBTQ advocates are calling this act a hate crime, not just vandalism.

A Symbolic Attack

The Queer Neighborhood Council, a group advocating for LGBTQ rights, condemned the attack. They stated that this incident reflects the violence and prejudice that Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) seeks to condemn. The flags were legally placed with the city's permission but were gone by Tuesday morning.

"No one knows where they went."

A Community Under Attack

Jack Imbergamo, leader of the Queer Neighborhood Council, received an email about people taking down the flags. Though he expected such incidents, the pain remains. He emphasizes the danger trans people face daily.

Transgender Awareness Week Marred by Hate

Transgender Awareness Week is meant for education and highlighting threats against trans individuals. Instead, advocates are dealing with another act of hate. The Boston Police were notified, but no investigation has been confirmed yet.

A Pattern of Violence

This is not an isolated incident. Recently, a trans woman on the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women faced death threats after right-wing media targeted her. Meanwhile, the Boston City Council took a step forward by creating a new advisory council for LGBTQIA2S+ issues.

National Context

The Trump administration has been rolling back protections for trans people. In 2024, a report revealed hundreds of anti-trans violence cases in America, labeling it an epidemic. Most victims are trans women and people of color.

A Call to Remember and Resist

Imbergamo is using TDOR to remember those lost. Despite feeling under attack, he refuses to back down. His message is clear:

"Trans people exist, and we are not going anywhere."