A Tribute to Transgender Day of Remembrance

I have a great deal to learn about the transgender experience, but one thing I know is that people should not be harassed, assaulted, or killed for their gender identity. That’s why I want to take a moment to note this important day of remembrance. Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual event, sponsored by GLAAD—the world’s largest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization—to honor the memory of those murdered because of anti-transgender prejudice. Statistics from the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) show that 16.2% of transgender students report being physically assaulted as a result of gender expression in schools, while 32.5% experience physical harassment. A year-by-year list of those murdered due to transgender prejudice can be found here.

It is disturbing to read the list of those murdered in 2021. The majority are in their 20s. Consider taking a moment to read that list yourself. Again, it is here.

Last year, in recognition of this day of remembrance, I posted about the writer Jan Morris. Morris was a transgender pioneer. She was not killed in an act of violence, but she exemplified the courage of many in the LGBTQ+ community. You can see that post here.

[Photo by Irina Anastasiu: https://www.pexels.com/photo/clear-glass-candle-holder-54512/]