Every year, transgender people are senselessly killed, often targeted because of their gender identity. Transgender Day of Remembrance is recognized annually on November 20th to help increase visibility for transgender people, to address issues of inequity, and to remember the lives lost through these acts of violence.
In 1999, Gwendolyn Ann Smith, transgender activist, founded this day in memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was murdered the year before.
“Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti- transgender bigotry and violence. I am no stranger to the need to fight for our rights, and the right to simply exist is first and foremost. With so many seeking to erase transgender people — sometimes in the most brutal ways possible — it is vitally important that those we lose are remembered, and that we continue to fight for justice.” –Gwendolyn Ann Smith
The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs reports a disturbing multi-year trend showing that trans women of color experience a greater risk of death by hate violence than any other group.
Crime Victim Services is committed to ending violence and oppression, and seeks to make a positive impact in the community, while living out the values of collaboration, belonging, compassion and growth.
“One community that is often ostracized and pushed to the margins by society as a whole is the LGBTQ+ population. As we seek to embody the value of belonging, it is important that everyone feels a sense of both physical and emotional safety when interacting with us,” said Ryn Wolfe Farmer, deputy director. “We hope you will join us in celebrating equal rights for those who live and work in our community and in remembering those who have lost their lives to violence.”
One way to participate in the Day of Remembrance is through LGBTQ+ Spectrum of Findlay for their annual event:
Trans Day of Remembrance Walk
NOV 20 | 6:30 – 7:30 PM | FREE
Join LGBTQ+ Spectrum of Findlay for their annual Transgender Day of Remembrance Walk to honor the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. Folx will meet at the Spectrum Office and walk down to the courthouse. Afterward, there will be hot chocolate, coffee, and snacks. Bring your trans flags, warm coats and gloves! Learn more.
Spectrum Office | 211 E. Front St. | Findlay, OH 45840
For more information and resources for the transgender community, visit: https://transequality.org.
If you or someone you love has been impacted by violence, please reach out.
We are here to help.
Text/Chat Line | M-F 8am-4pm: www.crimevictimservices.org/chat
Call | 24/7: 877-867-7273
Comments