Last week, National SDS was deeply saddened and angered to learn of the torture and murder of Sam Nordquist in west New York. Sam was a beloved son, uncle, and friend who deserved to be safe, and live a long life. Sam was a trans and biracial man; it is impossible to view his horrible murder as disconnected from the violent transphobia and racism of the current Trump administration. Hateful transphobic rhetoric props up life altering bans on gender affirming care and creates an environment which emboldens violent hate crimes.

This brutal crime shows that even in a supposedly “safe” state like New York, trans people and people of color are still subject to hate and violence. We see a direct line from the violent rhetoric of the right wing to the horrific actions perpetrated against people like Sam. The violence cannot be allowed to continue. We believe strongly that trans people and people of color must be protected at all costs, and call for immediate justice for Sam Nordquist.

Trans Lives Matter!
Black Lives Matter!