As I sit down to reflect on this tragic event, my heart goes out to Pauly Likens’ family and loved ones. The senseless killing of a 14-year-old transgender girl is an outrage that should not be tolerated in our society. It’s heartbreaking to think about the life cut short, full of promise and potential.
But as we mourn her passing, it’s crucial that we also take action to ensure something like this never happens again. That’s why I’m thrilled to see members of the House LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus urging the Senate to pass an anti-hate crimes bill that would expand protections to gender and sexual-orientation classes.
It’s unacceptable that current hate crime laws in our commonwealth are not applied to crimes motivated by a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity. We must recognize that transgender individuals, like Pauly Likens, deserve equal protection under the law. It’s time for us to stand up against discrimination and hatred in all its forms.
As we move forward from this tragedy, let’s use it as an opportunity to come together and demand change. Let’s make sure that our laws reflect our values of inclusivity, empathy, and compassion. We owe it to Pauly Likens’ memory – not just her family and friends but also the countless transgender individuals who face discrimination every day.
It’s time for us to create a world where everyone can live their truth without fear of persecution or violence. A world where gender identity is respected and protected under our laws. That’s what we should strive for, as we move forward from this tragedy.
Let’s make it happen!