2012 Transgender Day of Remembrance

[HelenW]

On Tuesday, November 20th, the trans community will recognize the 14th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance to memorialize those of us who have been violently killed in the past twelve months.  This year the sad total is 265 names, world wide, with the knowledge that we have no information from huge sections of the planet about violent deaths of trans people.  http://www.transrespect-transphobia.org/uploads/downloads/TMM/TvT-TMM-TDOR2012-Namelist-en.pdf

http://www.transrespect-transphobia.org/uploads/downloads/TMM/TDOR-2012-map.pdf

The support group that I coordinate, the Southern Tier Trans Network, in conjunction with the Jamestown Community College Interweave Gay/Straight Alliance and PFLAG held our first ever TDoR memorial yesterday.  My friend Cathy wrote a short speech for the event that, I think, embodies the entire purpose of the memorial and I'd like to add it here (with her permission):

"We are gathered here tonight to mourn those of us who have been taken from us by hatred, violence, and ignorance, but in a larger sense, we are here to celebrate their lives.  That we might not have known any of them personally, does not lessen our sense of loss or our disgust for the way they were taken.

Regardless of the threats and bigotry they knew they would face as a result of  their decision to live as they believed they needed to live, they took those risks and lived their lives the best way they knew how to live.
Their courage in the face of ignorance and bigotry should cause us to rejoice in the simple fact that they LIVED and faced their fears head on, knowing that they would likely be persecuted and shunned by so-called "straight" society.

From those of us here gathered here, and from others in many other places in observances like this one our hearts go out to their families, their friends, their loved ones. We feel the loss of those beautiful, courageous lives that will never see the potential they might have acheived.

Yes they were taken from us by violence and ignorance, but their lives, their courage, should show us the way to light the way for others.  Our fight need not and should not be one of violence, but one of education and enlightenment.  Each of us, in our own way, should strive to show society that we are not a threat, but a way to learn about tolerance and acceptance.  WE are the future and it is for US to light the way to understanding.

Yes, we gathered here to mourn, to remember those lost to us, but let us also remember that because they lived, they made a difference, whether large or small.  We need to folow their example and strive to make a difference.  It doesn't have to be in huge, sweeping changes.  If you educate just one person, that one goes on to educate others. 

Let the loss of those who were taken from us be a rallying call to ALL of us.  Let their example, their courage, be a  beacon to light the way to a better future for us all.  In that way, their loss can serve as the best kind of example, and their deaths will not have been in vain or obscure and forgotten footnotes on some police blotter. 

It is said that living well is the best revenge.  Let us all live well and, by our example, show that we are proud of who and what we are, and resolved to seize the opportunity to lead the way to a better life.  A life free from persecution, bigotry and violence.

Thank you to all of you who came here tonight.  Let us have a moment of silence to honor those who are no longer with us."

[Devlyn]

Thank you, Emelye, and thank you, Cathy. We must never forget. Hugs, Devlyn

[spacial]

Thank you from me as well Emelye.

We must not forget, because like it or not, their sacrifices will mean children tomorrow might grow up without that fear.

[JulieC.]

So sad.  So many I couldn't read the whole list.  And so many from Brazil and Mexico.  Are trans people just fair game there?  It's disgusting.

[Snowpaw]

So sad.  So many I couldn't read the whole list.  And so many from Brazil and Mexico.  Are trans people just fair game there?  It's disgusting.

1 word. Machismo. I guess religion too :/ both are detrimental to a civilized society. 

it's always so sad to read this stuff... I myself can't even look because a constant fear of mine is that one of my friends might be on there... the one I haven't heard from in years...

[Shana A]

Thanks for posting this Emelye!

I requested that my local Unitarian Fellowship include something to honor TDoR in our regular Sunday service today, hopefully we will organize a full event in our town next year. The service was truly beautiful, I was weeping as we read the unison passages of the service and as I lit a candle from the chalice. Never forget!

Z

[JoanneB]

As the recipients  of the violence it is relatively easy for us not to forget.

If you can, please find and support a local TDOR event to help raise awareness to "the others" that have no clue at all the random acts of violence and hatred we fear facing each and every day for simply just trying feel normal.

[V M]

Thank you Emelye

May we never forget

[Jamison]

Thanks for the info.

I made my avatar for the occasion and circulated it on fb with the following paragraph:

"This year, 265 deaths of transgendered people were documented around the world; 20% more than last year. The US had the third highest number of murders after Brazil and Mexico. Right now, tragedy is ripe in the world, but today I will take an extra moment to remember these who lost their lives at the hands of hate. #transgenderdayofremembrance"

Maybe a few more people will stop to read, and think.

[Taka]

with so many, i can't help wonder if some people here knew someone on that list.
it's sad that so many would find it so easy to kill a person just for being different.

[spacial]

I've just done the same on FB and posted the links.

[eshaver]

For anyone in the Richmond Virginia vicinity, YES, there is a T D O R service . I'll be there an I hope you will be too.

ellen