I've volunteered to be part of our local group's Transgender Day of Remembrance event, and one thing we were saying was that we'd like to be able to say something about those we're remembering beyond how they were killed. A word or phrase describing them, like "environmental activist", "mother of three", or _something_ to remind ourselves that these were people who had lived, that they were more than just "red shirts" (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Redshirt&defid=441741)
I tried googling the first few USAans on the list, but could find virtually nothing about them other than about their deaths, the investigations, etc. Any suggestions on how to find stuff? Obituaries would be fine.
Also, I didn't see more than about 6 USAans on the 2014 list (it's pretty short), and I'm sure I've heard about more people than that. A Colorlines article about Aniya Parker says that she was the 8th trans woman of color killed since June, so they, at least, think there's more than 6. (And that article didn't have much to say about her except about her murder.)
Trigger warning!
This site keeps extensive records of how the victims died. It's a sickening read, you may find your idea a little less appealing after reading it. I was a volunteer at TDOR labeling the vigil candles once. Seeing the names and knowing that the person was gone was hard on me. Bless you for getting involved.
Hugs, Devlyn
I strongly suggest no one goes to this link, it is triggering.
http://www.transrespect-transphobia.org/en_US/tvt-project/tmm-results/tdor-2013.htm
Quote from: Devlyn Marie on October 27, 2014, 07:34:24 PM
This site keeps extensive records of how the victims died. It's a sickening read, you may find your idea a little less appealing after reading it. I
This is exactly what I
don't want.
I want to be able to say something about who they were
before they died. We have no plans to say anything about the manner of anyone's death. The fact that we're mentioning their name at all says that they were killed, and that's bad enough.
Besides, if (hypothetical) you were killed in a car crash, would you want your memorial service to be about how you died, or about what you did when you were a live and who and what you loved and who cared about you? TDOR is, after all, a memorial.
It gives more information than a simple list, I thought that part might be helpful to you. The mention of details about the manner of death was a warning, not a suggestion to mention dismemberment and burning at the memorial.
So many victims are people of color. :(