Transgender Day of Remembrance: Honoring the Lives Lost

http://glaadblog.org/2010/11/19/transgender-day-of-remembrance-honoring-the-lives-lost/

Over the past year, many transgender people have lost their lives due to ruthless acts of violence triggered by bias, hatred and prejudice.  Tomorrow marks Transgender Day of Remembrance.  A time to mourn for the transgender people we have lost and also to honor their memory.  But also, to become more aware of how we can eliminate violence against transgender people in the future.

GLAAD works to hold the media accountable for its action and words, especially regarding transgender issues.  We help to correct coverage of transgender hate crimes while ensuring that the victim's identity is treated with respect and honor — for example, by educating the media to use pronouns consistent with a person's gender identity regardless of their biological sex or legal status.

Misunderstanding and fear can be catalysts for violent attacks on transgender people.  This has to do with the lack of knowledge and lack of exposure to the transgender community.