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On Wednesday night, the sanctuary was filled with the poignant sounds of cello music as attendees held blue and pink carnations, commemorating Transgender Day of Remembrance. A moving slideshow displayed images of trans individuals — daughters, brothers, coworkers, and friends captured in their happiest moments. As names were solemnly read out, a stark realization permeated through the room: a significant number of the memorialized were women of color, one just 14 years old. Each had fallen victim to anti-trans violence over the past year.

Globally, 350 trans individuals were murdered last year, according to the Trans Murder Monitoring Project. In the United States alone, the Human Rights Campaign documented at least 36 such killings within the same period. Experts believe these numbers are significantly underreported. Soren Ruppelius, a volunteer from Sussex Pride in Delaware who helped organize the vigil, remarked on the particularly somber mood of this year's event, emphasizing the enduring support within the trans community.

“No matter how dark things get, you are never alone. We have always taken care of one another, and we always will,” Ruppelius stated. “You are here because you care and want to create a future where vigils like this are unnecessary — where every trans person can live a full, happy life.” As candles were lit in remembrance, a serene atmosphere filled the sanctuary, but was sharply contrasted by the profound grief felt as each flame was gradually extinguished.

The recent election victory of Donald Trump has ushered in an era of uncertainty and fear for many transgender Americans. In Delaware, where Sarah McBride became the nation's first known transgender lawmaker elected to Congress, residents experienced conflicting emotions. While there was pride in McBride's groundbreaking achievement, this was overshadowed by anxiety over potential anti-trans policies with Trump's return to the White House.

Republican-backed measures targeting trans individuals have been a source of apprehension. This fear was exemplified by Republican Representative Nancy Mace's recent resolution to prohibit transgender women from using women’s restrooms at the US Capitol, targeting McBride before she even took office. In response, McBride committed to focusing on significant issues affecting the country, dismissing attempts to distract from substantive legislative work.

The rise of anti-trans rhetoric had been a cornerstone of Trump's campaign, including promises to eliminate discussions of gender identity in schools and end taxpayer-funded transgender surgeries for prisoners. The weight of these developments was palpable as Vienna Cavazos, a trans youth activist from Bulletproof Pride, addressed the audience, reflecting on the heavy atmosphere both within the sanctuary and beyond its doors.

Despite residing in a relatively progressive state, trans Delaware residents and their families, like Andrea and her transgender daughter, expressed growing fears. The election results induced anxiety not just for their own family but for many within the trans community. Andrea, who is also Jewish and conscious of rising antisemitism, encapsulated the widespread trepidation by describing the election outcome as a “gut punch.”

In the aftermath of the election, the Delaware Sexuality and Gender Collective initiated a virtual support call for trans residents to process the results and discuss future implications. Founders Julissa Coriano and her son, Noah Duckett, noted an impending period of support and counseling for the vulnerable trans community under another Trump administration. Coriano openly shared feelings of disappointment yet maintained hope for the future, encouraging others to voice their emotions in a collective effort to navigate these challenging times.