International Transgender Day of Remembrance

INTERNATIONAL TRANSGENDER REMEMBRANCE DAY FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER: PAUSE, REFLECT AND ASK FOR CHANGE

TransGender Victoria calls on people to take a moment to reflect on International TransGender Day of Remembrance on Friday 20 November to not only remember those who have lost their lives to transphobic violence - and their loved ones who are left behind - but to put out a positive message ensuring increasing celebration of sex and gender diversity.

“We acknowledge that many in our community feel anxious or upset re issue of violence and therefore believe we can use the occasion to achieve a better future that reduces or prevents what has happened in the past while simultaneously respecting those who are lost, “stated spokesperson Sally Goldner.

“We therefore urge people to take a minute at 8 PM on the 20th November (the 20th hour of the 20th day) to both remember people and their families while simultaneously thinking about a society that aims for and ultimately achieves celebration of sex and gender diversity.”

Interim CEO of {also}, Kylie Smith stated “International Transgender Remembrance Day gives us the opportunity to pause and consider the dire effects of transphobia and transphobic violence. It is also a time to humbly honour the strength of those who continue to advocate for justice and freedom from discrimination and harassment and especially those who have lost their loved ones. We pay our respects to those who have passed, to their families and friends.”

Similar to people in the gay, lesbian and bisexual communities, research over the last decade shows repeatedly around 25% of trans Australians have faced physical assault, 10 times the national average.

International TransGender Day of Remembrance commenced in 1998 to honour Rita Hester after her murder in San Francisco and now continues in dozens of cities around the world.

For more information contact Sally Goldner on 0407 946 242 or Kylie Smith at {also} on 9660 3900 (bh).

The Metropolitan Community Church of Melbourne will note the occasion at its regular Sunday service on 22 November http://www.mccmelbourne.com/ChurchEvents.asp#60.  We thank them for their long-standing support in recognising this important day on the queer calendar.