The Transgender Day of Remembrance serves several purposes. It raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgendered 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 the vigil, we express love and respect for our people in the face of national indifference and hatred. Day of Remembrance reminds non-transgendered 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.I think it's very important to note that almost all of those who are killed are poorer trans women of colour. Because we live in not just a transphobic world, but a misogynistic and racist one as well. Oppressions do intersect. I am likely to be protected from murder by several of the privileges I possess. Which means that I have a responsibility to make sure that I don't make this day all about myself or the trans women most like me.
Because of the nearness of the US Thanksgiving holiday to Transgender Day of Remembrance, I will be travelling today. Fortunately for me, the nearest observance to me will take place on Sunday in Manchester (UK, not New Hampshire) so I'll still be able to attend a remembrance. I'll be able to stand with others and make sure that the dead are remembered and celebrated. Nonetheless, even with the stresses of travelling, I will be keeping my thoughts on those who are no longer with us because of the hatred in this world.
I'm sorry to make this a brief blog post, but I do need to deal with the aforementioned travelling. Anyway, do two things today. First, check the TDOR website for an observance near you and go to it. Second, I recommend reading the following blog posts on TDOR (not all of which are from this year) and which I will keep updating at least until I have to pack my laptop:
"the drowned and the saved" by queenemily at Questioning Transphobia
"11th International Transgender Day of Remembrance" by Helen at Bird of Paradox
"International Transgender Day of Remembrance" by kaninchenzero at FWD/Forward
"Day of Remembrance" by goodbuytjane
"Not Forgotten." by Dori at A Truly Elegant Mess
"Transgender Day of Remembrance, and an appeal to fellow Mummy bloggers" by Ruth Moss at Look Left of the Pleaides (Highly Recommended) (not because she's my fiancée but because it's on what cis people need to do)
"International Transgender Day of Remembrance" by Arwyn at Raising My Boychick
"TDOR 2009" by Chally at Zero at the Bone
"how to mourn" by queenemily at Questioning Transphobia (Highly Recommended)
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