Friday, November 20th, 2015 is International Transgender Day of Remembrance… and RESILIENCE! It is a day honour the memory and mourn those who lost their lives to anti-transgender violence. It is also a day to celebrate the lives and work of transgender people, to educate, and increase visibility in the fight for transgender survival, justice and equality.
The Transgender Day of Remembrance was founded in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith to memorialize the murder of Rita Hester. Today it is observed in over 180 cities worldwide.
“The 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
For information about vigils and events worldwide being held on November 20, check out the list on the International Transgender Day of Remembrance website.
“Give us our roses while we’re still here.” – artist B. Parker for BreakOUT!
This year, artist Micah Bazant partnered with Strong Families, to create Trans Day of Resilience, a powerful and beautiful poster project pairing 8 transgender and gender-nonconforming artists with groups doing transgender justice work. The posters highlight the victims of anti-trans violence, and emphasize the power and resilience of the trans community in the face of oppression. Be sure to check out all the artists, and partnering organizations – all of which are on the forefront of the fight for trans justice, including Black Lives Matter, The Audre Lorde Project and SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW.
