Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day set aside to honor the lives of transgender people who have been lost to violence. This year’s Day of Remembrance comes at a time when the transgender community is under attack from all sides. In the past year, over 30 states have introduced legislation that would restrict transgender people’s access to health care and public facilities. Today, we remember those who have been lost, and we stand with those who continue to fight for a better tomorrow.
HISTORY OF TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
This day of remembrance was started in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith, a trans woman who was horrified by the murder of Rita Hester, a trans woman of color. Since then, the transgender day of remembrance has grown into an international movement. Every year, people gather in cities all over the world to remember those who have been killed and to stand in solidarity with the transgender community.
FIVE THINGS TO LEARN ABOUT TRANSGENDERS
- Gender is not the same as sex. Sex is the biological traits that define male and female, while gender is the social and cultural constructions of masculinity and femininity.
- Someone’s sex does not determine their gender. For example, a person with a penis may identify as a woman, and vice versa.
- It’s also important to remember that not all transgender people transition. Some people may choose to dress and present themselves in a way that is different from their assigned sex, but not undergo any medical procedures. Others may elect to transition partially, for example, by taking hormones but not having surgery. And still others may choose only to have top surgery or bottom surgery. Whatever somebody’s individual situation may be, it’s always important to use the name and pronoun they prefer.
- It’s worth remembering that being transgender is not a mental disorder. The American Psychiatric Association only removed “gender identity disorder” from its list of diagnoses in 2013. So when interacting with a transgender person, be respectful, open-minded, and considerate, and you should have no problem making a new friend.
- 375 people were murdered in 2021, making it the highest annual number to date.
HOW TO CELEBRATE TRANSGENDER REMEMBRANCE DAY
- Purchase a gift for a transgender friend.
- Familiarize yourself with the TVT Project which explores Transrespect versus Transphobia.
- Understanding the Transgender Community.
- What Does Transgender Mean?
- 150+ Famous Transgender People.
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Note: If the above links do not direct you to the appropriate referral on the first try, return to the article and try again.
Do you have any ideas about how to celebrate this day? Please share them!
