Because it was part of my business many decades ago, I keep up on crime statistics in general and pay special attention to hate crimes. Yes, violence against anyone on the LGBTQ spectrum is up a lot, and trans folks are more likely to be assaulted than anyone else in that group.
I’ve taken self defense courses, helped teach a few, and I encourage everyone to learn these skills. This doesn’t mean just take a class. You have to practice enough that your responses are automatic because if you have to think about your response you’ve already lost. Get a bunch of friends together, take some courses, and practice. Practice a lot. The life you save just might be your best friend’s.
