The Trevor Project Recognizes Transgender Day of Remembrance at The White House

[Shana A]

The Trevor Project Recognizes Transgender Day of Remembrance at The White House
Statement from Alison Gill, Government Affairs Director

http://www.thetrevorproject.org/news/recognizing-transgender-day-remembrance-white-house

Washington, D.C. (November 20, 2012) – Today, the Obama Administration hosted leading members of the transgender community at the White House in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance. Recognized internationally and held annually on November 20th, the vigils and memorials on Transgender Day of Remembrance raise awareness about those transgender and gender non-conforming members of our families and communities who have died as a result of hate crime violence against them.

Transgender youth are an exceptionally vulnerable population, facing hate, fear and discrimination which increase their risk for self-harming behaviors, including suicide attempts. The Trevor Project, which operates crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth nationwide, witnesses and addresses the obstacles transgender youth face daily. Alison Gill, the organization's Government Affairs Director and a leader in policy development protecting transgender youth, represented Trevor at today's White House event and issued the following statement.

"The Trevor Project is honored to have taken part in an important step in history as the White House honors the memories of transgender victims of hate crime violence on Transgender Day of Remembrance. Members of this especially vulnerable population often lack protections within their communities and under the law. This is especially true of young transgender people, who are more likely now than in any time in history to come out as their true gender early in life. Unfortunately, in many cases, these youth lack effective support systems and resources.

[Shana A]

Labor Sec'y calls for reflection on anti-trans violence

By Chris Johnson on November 20, 2012

http://www.washingtonblade.com/2012/11/20/solis-calls-for-reflection-on-anti-trans-violence/

Labor Secretary Hilda Solis issued a statement on Tuesday calling the Transgender Day of Remembrance an occasion for Americans to bear in mind transgender people who've lost their lives as the result of violence.

The complete statement follows:

    "The Transgender Day of Remembrance will be commemorated in cities and countries around the world today, reflecting on those who have died as a result of fear, hate and transphobia.

    "I stand proudly today — and every day — as an ally to the transgender community and to every person and family impacted by anti-transgender bullying and violence. Transgender people are part of the diversity that America celebrates today and they, like every American, deserve to live without fear of prejudice or violence.

    "What Gwendolyn Ann Smith began as an online project in 1998 to memorialize Rita Hester's murder has today evolved to include hundreds of vigils and events in workplaces, churches and community centers around the world. I hope that this year's commemoration will serve as an opportunity to shine a brighter light on both progress made and the challenges ahead."

[Shana A]

White House Observes Transgender Day of Remembrance
Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 5:11pm by Ross Murray, Director of Religion, Faith and Values at GLAAD

http://www.glaad.org/blog/white-house-observes-transgender-day-remembrance

The White House has joined the coalition of organizations and individuals who are observing Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), to remember those that have been lost due to anti-transgender violence.

Two dozen transgender advocates met with John Berry, Director of the Office of Personnel Management at the White House to commemorate the memorial. Mr. Berry led the group in a moment of silence to honor transgender victims of violence. Following the visit, the White House posted a blog post to encourage all Americans to participate in TDoR.

From the White House blog:

    Earlier today, a group of transgender community advocates met with White House staff to mark Transgender Day of Remembrance and discuss ways in which we can work together to ensure dignity, equality, and justice for all people.

    Throughout America and around the world, many transgender people face bullying, harassment, discrimination, and violence.  Far too often, we hear shocking and tragic stories about transgender people who have been assaulted and even killed because of their gender identity or expression.  The Obama Administration is committed to preventing violence against all people, including all members of the LGBT community, and this meeting was an important opportunity to explore ways to make our communities and neighborhoods safer.