Trans Day of Remembrance - November 20th
Trans Day of Remembrance – November 20th
On Monday, November 20th , Trans Day of Remembrance, we commemorate those who have lost their lives because of violent acts and other harmful implications that are rooted in the oppression of trans and gender-diverse people.
Starting in 1999, following the anniversary of the passing of a Black transwoman, Rita Hester, this day was created to mourn trans community members who have lost their lives, and celebrate who they were in life. During the time of Rita’s death, media outlets and police officials made minimal efforts to investigate her murder. They often misgendered her during their investigations and media coverage of the incident, a harmful reality too common when discussing trans community members. Moving into present times, this day is meant to remind and raise awareness of the gruesome impacts that transphobia has within our communities. Too often, community members lose their homes and lives at the hands of gender-based- violence and a lack of adequate resources catering to the unique needs of trans and gender-diverse people.
Though we are approaching 25 years of celebrating Trans Day of Remembrance, violence towards trans people is still persistent in both overt and covert ways. Trans and gender-diverse people continue to face additional barriers to accessing housing, in comparison to cisgender community members. Women’s National Housing & Homelessness Network reported that 26% of trans people have lost their housing due to discrimination and 43% reported experiencing discrimination from landlords or property managers based on gender. For trans people who can find housing, 41% reported feeling unsafe in their home and 69% reported being unable to find or maintain housing due to affordability issues. Similar to issues surrounding gender-based violence faced by women and children, safe and secure housing, paired with resources and advocacy to address gender-based violence issues can better support the trans and gender-diverse community, creating a healthy space to live and grow.
This Trans Day of Remembrance, we must mourn those who have passed, but take active steps to support a community that is safe enough for them to live.
Below is a list of resources for trans community members and information on how you can support this community.
- Gender Affirming Care-Nova Scotia
- Navigating Trans and Gender-Diverse Healthcare
By Trina James, Culture and Diversity Manager