Advocates for Trans Equality Coalition Condemns Treatment of Trans and Nonbinary Protesters in D.C. Custody

[Washington, D.C.] - Yesterday, a coalition of 21 national and local organizations led by Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) issued a formal letter to the Mayor’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Affairs (MOLGBTQA) in Washington, D.C., condemning the treatment of trans, nonbinary, and Black community members detained following a peaceful demonstration outside the Hubert H. Humphrey Building.  
 
“The reports we’ve received are deeply alarming and reflect a failure to uphold the most basic standards of dignity and lawful treatment,” said Devon Ojeda, Senior National Organizer for Advocates for Trans Equality. “Trans and nonbinary people—like all people—have the right to be treated with respect and in accordance with the law, especially when exercising their right to peaceful protest.” 
 
“This incident underscores the urgent need for accountability and systemic reform. No one should be subjected to discrimination, neglect, or harm while in custody. The District must take immediate steps to ensure this never happens again,” Ojeda added. 

On February 17th, 2026, during a “Hands Off Our ’Mones” protest, 25 people were arrested and held for approximately 12 hours. Reports from those detained describe unsafe and degrading conditions, including lack of access to private restroom facilities, prolonged restraint with overly tight zip ties causing injury, delayed access to food and water, and denial of phone calls. Individuals also reported being required to disclose sensitive personal information aloud, compromising their privacy. Additionally, the complaint highlights evidence of disparate treatment toward Black detainees, raising further civil rights concerns. 
 
Late yesterday, A4TE and a coalition of 21 national and local organizations sent a letter to the Mayor’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Affairs (MOLGBTQA), the DC Office of Human Rights, and the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia  
detailing widespread allegations of mistreatment, particularly toward trans and nonbinary people, including repeated misgendering, improper placement in holding cells inconsistent with gender identity, and denial of privacy and basic needs.  
 
While law enforcement agencies maintain authority to manage demonstrations, they are obligated to do so without discrimination and in accordance with District law and policy. The letter asserts that the reported conduct may violate the D.C. Human Rights Act, as well as existing Metropolitan Police Department policies governing interactions with trans people, including requirements that detainees be housed and treated consistent with their gender identity.

The coalition is calling for a formal meeting with District officials and impacted individuals within 14 days, a comprehensive review and revision of relevant policies, mandatory training for law enforcement personnel, and a public reaffirmation of the District’s commitment to protecting trans and nonbinary people.

The letter is signed by a broad coalition of organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, the National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund, and the National Black Justice Coalition, among others, reflecting widespread concern about the treatment of LGBTQI+ individuals in custody and the need for immediate action.

Read the full letter.

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About A4TE

Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) is an organization that fights for the legal and political rights of transgender people in the United States. Introduced in July 2024 after the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund and National Center for Trans Equality merged, A4TE is the largest trans-led advocacy organization in the U.S. and brings together experts, advocates, and communities to shift government and society toward an equitable future where trans people live joyful lives without barriers.