Already in 2018, at least four transgender women have been killed in the United States.

"We need the support of our allies to make a statement that this matters, that you care, that it's wrong and that steps have to be taken to reduce if not eliminate this kind of issue," said Elizabeth Freeman Center Board Member Jahaira DeAlto.

"People make assumptions sometimes that these things happen somewhere else. And then they happen where you live," said Berkshire Pride Member Kenneth Mecure.

The first trans woman killed this year was Christa Leigh Steele-Knudslien from North Adams, Massachusetts. Police said she was stabbed and beaten to death by her husband.

Protestors gathered in front of the North Adams City Hall Saturday calling for an end to the violence, and encouraging everyone to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ community.  

"We're not out here wearing signs," said DeAlto. "The reality is that person you run into in the grocery store, that person that holds the door for you in the elevator, that person you see coming out of the dentist's office might very well be trans and if humanity matters to you, then this should matter to you as well." 

Members from various organizations including Sexual Minorities Educational Foundation, Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, and the Elizabeth Freeman Center participated in the rally.