Transgender Day of Remembrance

quotTransgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to antitransgender bigotry and violence I am no stranger to the need to fight for our rights and the right to simply exist is first and foremost With so many seeking to erase transgender people sometimes in the most brutal ways possible it is vitally important that those we lose are remembered and that we continue to fight for justicequot Transgender Day of Remembrance founder Gwendolyn Ann SmithPFLAG points out quotSadly 2021 has already seen at least 45 transgender or gender nonconforming people die by violent means including most recently a beloved member of the PFLAG Tampa family We say quotat leastquot because often these stories go unreported or misreported As in previous years the majority of lives taken were those of Black and Latina transgender women We would be remiss not to also mention the many trans and gendernonconforming people we have lost to complications from COVID19quotWhy Does this MatterCurrently there are many bills being brought up in states across America that are intended to harm or hinder transgender people from accessing equal opportunities as nontransgender cisgender people You can check out the specifics via this link As a result society continues to perpetuate the message that transgender people are lesser than other people which allows for the continuation of stigma and discrimination This often leads to violence both internally and externally We see this in our society as the rates of selfharm suicide assaults and murders of transgender people continue to skyrocket By acknowledging those lost or taken individuals and groups can indicate support and safety for the transgender community When enough people and enough companies do this collectively solidarity is shown and the rates of harm and death begin to decreaseHow Is the Media RespondingThe media response varies based on where you are Some cities such as New York San Francisco and Miami are holding live events There are also events being hosted online so that attendees can participate virtually One of the most RSVP39d events is being hosted by TLC Network star of the television show quotI Am Jazzquot Jazz Jennings along with other transgender activists and leaders You may also see social media accounts for national and international companies post or tweet their support for transgender people on this day or during the days surrounding this day including those who may use transgender celebrities the pinkbluewhite transgender flag or prior Pride advertisementsWhat Can I DoYou may decide to honor the day in a variety of ways You may also find yourself overwhelmed or feeling uncertain of how to acknowledge this day Don39t get discouraged rely on some expert organizations insteadWorkplace advocates Out ampamp Equal offer a guide found hereGLAAD encourages quotParticipate in Transgender Day of Remembrance by attending andor organizing a vigil on November 20 to honor all those transgender people whose lives were lost to antitransgender violence that year and learning about the violence affecting the transgender community Vigils are typically hosted by local transgender advocates or LGBTQ organizations and held at community centers parks places of worship and other venues The vigil often involves reading a list of the names of those lost that yearquot GLAAD39s resources including media guides can be found herePridecom encourages everyone to use their social media to help quotSearch the web for articles like these and share them on social media Encourage your family and friends to read them and share them as well So often trans stories go unheard A big part of what can make this world safe for trans people is awareness and visibility and you can help play a rolequotYour TakeAwayIn a society with so many pending bills against transgender people at a time when there have been more murders and assaults of transgender people than in any prior year doing anything is better than doing nothing If your company will allow even sending an email with the link to this article will give your colleagues notification that their workplace is safe for all people If your company refuses keep working on them over time In the meantime use your personal social media to show support for the transgender community Post share and positively acknowledge companies39 work and words that are supportive Use your voice to save livesIf you are feeling unsafe as you hearsee the names and faces of transgender people losttaken this year please seek immediate mental health help If you want to support those who may be struggling you are encouraged to use your social media accounts to provide the following to your audienceamp183 Trevor Project Lifeline 800 7887386amp183 Trans Lifeline 877 5658860amp183 SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline 877 360LGBT 5428amp183 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for LGBTQ Community 800 2738255Click the social buttons to share this story with colleagues and friendsThe opinions expressed here are the author39s views and do not necessarily represent the views of MediaVillagecomMyersBizNet

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Transgender Day of Remembrance

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Kryss Shane

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