November 20, International TDOR Vancouver
Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed to memorialize those who were killed due to transgender hatred or prejudice, and began in 1999 to remember Rita Hester, who was murdered on November 28, 1998. Each victim of violence was based on bias against transgender people.
2017 has seen over 289 confirmed deaths of transgender people. Brazil and Mexico deaths have reached a shocking number of deaths this year. Victims were beaten to death, shot multiple times, shot in the head, decapitated, beaten, suffocated, burned, asphyxiated, stoned to death, stabbed, drowned, killed by a mob, deliberately struck by vehicle, tortured, cut and strangled, killed by a mob, dismembered, tied up and having throat slit, found inside abandoned suitcase, and blunt force trauma.
The numbers are much higher than 289 in 2017, as these were only the cases that were confirmed by media.
In Canada, we mourn Sisi Thibert, who was stabbed to death on September 18, 2017 in Montreal.
In Saudi Arabia, at least two cases of being tortured to death by police after charges of “cross-dressing” and having “same-sex” relationships.
TDOR remembers and mourns those lost to needless violence in the past year.
Vancouver Events
2017 Vancouver Trans Day of Remembrance is hosted by the Vancouver Transgender Day of Remembrance Society.
A service and gathering will take place on Monday, November 20, at the Carnegie Community Centre, 401 Main Street, starting at 7:30 PM. Carnegie is wheelchair accessible, ASL interpretation for the main part of the event has been secured. For more information and contact info, visit the event Facebook page here.
UBC Trans Day of Remembrance 2017 will be held on November 17, at the Pride Collective University of British Columbia, starting at 1:30 PM. The schedule includes workshops on Intra Trans Solidarity, Trans Allyship, Safer Space and Peer Support. UBC TDOR Facebook page here.
In 2017, The Canadian Parliament passed Bill C-16, which enshrines equal rights and protections of Transgender people in Canadian Law. The Bill is a tribute to the many Trans people who have bravely come forward in the face of fear, intimidation and hate, to have their stories heard and demand their rights. Bill C-16 does not mark the end of the fight for Trans rights, but is a start to ensure these protections are reflected in all federal policies and services.
We honour lives lost to hatred and violence. Let us reflect and commit to equality and justice for all.
