CW // Transphobia, violence, and murder
Today, November 20th, marks Transgender Day of Remembrance and Resilience. It is a time to mourn and honour the lives lost to anti-transgender violence. It is a day to reaffirm a commitment to equality of all individuals, regardless of gender identity, and to renounce violence of any kind towards people who identify under the trans+ umbrella.
The First Transgender Day of Remembrance
The first Transgender Day of Remembrance was observed in 1999. A vigil held in San Francisco organized by Gwendolyn Ann Smith was the first ever Transgender Day of Remembrance event. The vigil was held in memory of Rita Hester and Chanelle Pickett, two transgender women of colour who had been killed in acts of anti-transgender violence in 1998 and 1995, respectively. Since then, Transgender Day of Remembrance has expanded to be observed in many different countries.
Drawing Attention to Discrimination
In addition to remembering and honouring the lives lost due to anti-transgender violence, Transgender Day of Remembrance also aims to draw attention to the forms of discrimination, violence, and oppression transgender people face. Violence against transgender and gender non-conforming people has been increasing in Canada in recent years. Transgender individuals are at a higher risk of experiencing violence, including physical and sexual assault. Transgender individuals are also at a higher risk of experiencing discrimination in the workplace, and face challenges accessing stable housing due to discrimination against gender identity. It is important to note that many instances of anti-transgender violence remain unreported. These high rates of anti-transgender violence are unacceptable and reprehensible.
Resilience in the Trans+ Community
While the day originated as a day to remember the lives lost to anti-transgender violence and that remains as the primary focus of the observation, the day has also evolved to include recognizing the resilience of the transgender community. The inclusion of resilience showcases the power that transgender communities have in the face of oppression and adversity. The transgender community is full of many people who dedicate their lives to fighting for the freedom of gender identity and expression. Some of these individuals include: Taylor Alxndr, Toni-Michelle, and Olivia Hill, but there are countless others making and contributing to positive change worldwide. You can learn more about the activists mentioned (as well as others!) here. It is so important to remember the lives lost to anti-transgender violence and be aware to the reality of this issue, especially today. It is also important to remember that there is always hope for a better future. There is immense resilience and joy in the transgender community.
Community Event: Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil
This evening, beginning at 6pm, a vigil will be hosted by Saint John Pride at the Saint John City Market in observation of Transgender Day of Remembrance. After the vigil, a decompression gathering, hosted by Chroma NB, will take place between 7 and 8pm at Uncorked Tours. Learn more about the events here.
Even if you are not attending a community event today, remembering and honouring the lives lost by taking a moment of silence and doing research into gender identity-based violence are among the ways you can observe this day independently.
