As long as there is a trans community, we are going to need this day

As long as there is a trans community, we are going to need this day
Image: Images: Ann-Marie Calilhanna.

LGBTI organisations around the country will hold events to mark Trans Day of Remembrance, which falls on November 20.

Trans Day of Remembrance is a day to remember those who have been killed due to transphobia, and many people also use the day to memorialise those who have died by suicide.

At least 35 per cent of trans adults have attempted suicide, and 41 per cent have thoughts of killing or harming themselves.

Trans people are also at risk of violence from others, with trans women of colour the highest-risk group.

“The day brings us together, even though for some it can be a challenging day to deal with,” said Sally Goldner of Transgender Victoria.

“The reality is for as long as there is a trans community, we are going to need to mark this day.

“I look forward to the day when we never have another loss of life, and I include suicide as well as hate crime in there. I hope we never have another one again.”

Knowing exactly how many trans people are murdered each year is difficult because many jurisdictions don’t record trans status of victims, and many are misgendered even in death.

In the US, where most statistics on violence against trans people are available, a record high of 27 murders were recorded last year, almost all of them trans women of colour.

At the end of October, 23 trans people had already been murdered this year.

“We’ve always got to make sure we honour those who went before us,” said Goldner.

“It’s always going to be important, and it does bring us together.

“And the leadup is Trans Visibility Month—that’s important too. We can counterbalance the difficult part with positives.”

On Monday, community organisations around Australia will hold events to mark the day.

In Brisbane, Equal Voices is hosting a Trans Day of Remembrance gathering from 6pm.

The Queensland Trans Awards on Sunday evening will also be an acknowledgement of Trans Day of Remembrance.

In Sydney, Trans Sydney Pride is holding a candlelight vigil at Taylor Square from 7:45pm.

Another Monday evening event will be held at Harmony Park in Surry Hills.

In Melbourne, TransGender Victoria is hosting a multi-faith Trans Day of Remembrance memorial from 7pm.

In Perth, TransFolk of WA will hold a candlelight vigil with music and poetry, starting at 6pm.

In Adelaide, a memorial vigil will be held at Venue 63 from 6pm.

In Darwin, NTAHC is hosting a Trans Day of Remembrance event beginning at 10am with morning tea. Organisers will also be forming a trans social support group and welcome all trans community members to attend.

If you know of another Trans Day of Remembrance event, please share the details in a comment.

You May Also Like

One response to “As long as there is a trans community, we are going to need this day”

  1. The Hobart Trans Day of Remembrance had a stall in Elizabeth St Mall (site of an assault of a 16 year old trans teen during the Marriage Equality survey) and held a private ceremony later for the Trans Communiity