Although not every person represented during the Day of Remembrance self-identified as transgender — that is, as a transsexual, crossdresser, or otherwise gender-variant — each was a victim of violence based on bias against transgender people.
We live in times more sensitive than ever to hatred based violence, especially since the events of September 11th. Yet even now, the deaths of those based on anti-transgender hatred or prejudice are largely ignored. Over the last decade, more than one person per month has died due to transgender-based hate or prejudice, regardless of any other factors in their lives. This trend shows no sign of abating.
The Transgender Day of Remembrance serves several purposes. It raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people, an action that current media doesn’t perform. Day of Remembrance publicly mourns and honors the lives of our brothers and sisters who might otherwise be forgotten. Through US the vigil, we express love and respect for our people in the face of national indifference and hatred. Day of Remembrance reminds non-transgender people that we are their sons, daughters, parents, friends and lovers. Day of Remembrance gives our allies a chance to step forward with us and stand in vigil, memorializing those of us who’ve died by anti-transgender violence.
Note: This page was taken from http://www.rememberingourdead.org/day/what.html
The Remembering our Dead Web Project and The Transgender Day of Remembrance are owned by Gwendolyn Ann Smith, All Rights Reserved ©2007
tdor events and locations 2010 worldwide calendar
To our Jamaican transgender community though small you have an ally through this blogger and are thought of seriously not just by the way or for convenience to fit an agenda as elsewhere. Sad that our two main trans voices are not given the platform or tools to speak up more about their issues to the mainstream or even the other communities for clearer understanding and cooperation.
JFLAG's transgender page with very little information, get on it J, urgent matters are calling.
We too have had our share of attacks with the most serious one being that of a transgender individual in Jamaica though not spoken of alot, I had interviewed her in my days at JFLAG in 2008 as evidenced in the photos she allowed me to take of her following treatment from the attack in Kingston on September 21, 2008. FLASHBACK HERE.
Sadly JFLAG here has not paid any serious regard to the Transgender community overall except for some lip service and in the case above some financial assistance, the small group meetings that had commenced have all faded without any news of recommencement so far.
Sadly JFLAG here has not paid any serious regard to the Transgender community overall except for some lip service and in the case above some financial assistance, the small group meetings that had commenced have all faded without any news of recommencement so far.
"Lady M" from Jamaica
Groups that campaign for the rights of transgender, transvestite, transsexual, third gender and other gender variant peoples have been in existence since the mid-20th century, and have multiplied greatly in number since the 1990s. They may use a civil rights or minority rights political discourse, or may instead aim to challenge the very institution of gender. Their goals are varied, but include legal change, such as recognition in one's chosen sex on official documents; challenging discrimination in institutions such as prisons, housing, employment, health and education; and combating violence against transgender people.
see also: International Foundation for Gender Education (IFGE)
Please go to the leading African American Transgender activist TransGriot's blog for more on crimes committed against such persons and the outcomes in the United States. Teish was murdered some time ago there.
Peace and tolerance
H
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