On November 20th, we commemorate the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day to reflect, remember, and reaffirm our commitment to removing violence, discrimination and invisibility for transgender, non-binary, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse individuals.
Transgender Day of Remembrance was established to honour the memory of those whose lives were lost due to anti-transgender violence. Trans Awareness Week, the week leading up to this day, serves as a dedicated period of awareness, education, and advocacy for trans lives.
This time serves as an opportunity to bring attention to the ongoing realities faced by trans and gender-diverse people: elevated risk of violence, systemic marginalization, and basic struggles for dignity and respect.
Through memorializing lives lost, we acknowledge the lives that were taken but also reaffirm our commitment to advocating for everyone’s right to live authentically and safely.
Content warning: This online link connects to short bios of some of the individuals we have lost around the world due to the violence committed against trans, non-binary, gender-diverse, and Two-Spirit individuals.
Consider what you can do to be an ally: Speak up, educate yourself, challenge assumptions, and contribute to making our spaces safer, more welcoming, and more inclusive.
Thank you for your openness, support, and participation. Together, we will ensure that these lives are not forgotten, and that the values of safety, dignity and inclusion remain visible in our workplace and in our communities.
With Respect and Solidarity,
The PSAC GTA Pride Committee