We are deeply dismayed to learn of the recent death of 19-year-old Yampi Mendez Arocho, a transgender man killed in Puerto Rico.

Arocho’s death is the third known violent death of a member of the transgender community this year. We must all do more to end this epidemic of violence and to combat the discrimination, misunderstanding, and hate that fuel it.

GLAD rises in solidarity with Arocho’s loved ones and friends, and with our transgender community everywhere. We will continue working for a world in which all of us are safe, are valued, and can thrive no matter who we are.

As always, for those needing additional support, we encourage you to reach out to resources like Trans LifeLine and the Trevor Project. For those in the New England area, GLAD’s legal information line, GLAD Answers, is available to provide information and resources regarding discrimination.