Trans day recognised
The federal government will for the first time officially recognise the international Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20.
Now in its 10th year, the day has gained recognition following a motion from Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young.
The day commemorates those who have been killed and injured as a result of anti-transgender hatred and in particular Rita Hester, whose murder in Boston, Massachusetts on November 28, 1998 sparked the Remembering our Dead project.
The Transgender Day of Rem-embrance serves several purposes, the Gender Centre’s coordinator Phinn Borg said.
It raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people and publicly mourns and honours the lives of our brothers and sisters who might otherwise be forgotten.
The Gender Centre has held a commemorative event every year since 2003 and this year will be no different, Borg said. Details are still to be confirmed.
info: For further details call the Gender Centre on 9569 2366.
I would like to recognise Eleanor Lister who died on 16th of April 2008.
William
http://lgbti.nsw.greens.org.au/
http://ssg.nsw.greens.org.au/
Celebrating the life of Eleanor Ashley Lister: 28/2/1950 -16/4/2008
Surrounded by friends and family her great heart became still. She was one of the kindest most compassionate people I have ever known and a tireless worker for human rights.
She was the convenor and webmistress for Greens LGBTI group and webmistress for many other groups. Her great love was the NSW Greens but she also supported many other groups around the world. Here is a poem that was in her belongings It was hand written and it is thought she may have composed it. The words certainly ring true for that those of us that knew her. It is the sort of person she was.
(by Fern Lindsay)
Eternity
by Eleanor Lister
If ever you feel you’re going to fall,
Please do not hesitate to call.
If every you are feeling a little bit blue,
I’ll be right here for one such as you.
If ever you feel like you are facing the end,
Always remember I’m always your friend.
If ever you’re not quite feeling you best,
If ever your heart is torn from your chest.
If ever you feel like you want to give up,
Just remember we drink from the same cup.
When you’re confused and don’t have a clue,
Just remember my heart is always with you.
I’ve one thing to say before I reach the end,
Thank you so much for being my friend.
By Eleanor Ashley Lister