Transgender Day of Remembrance: Honoring Lives Lost to Violence
A Somber Vigil Held in Wilton Manors
Transgender Day of Remembrance has been held annually since 1999, and the vigils and memorials have only gotten larger. This year, the event was marked by a somber vigil in Wilton Manors, where dozens of trans people were killed this year alone – two of them in South Florida.
Fear and Resilience
"Right now we are in a time that we are afraid. We are looking to our community support," said Misty Eyez, a transgender activist and community leader. Despite the fear, the community came together to honor the lives lost.
A March and Memorial
Early Wednesday evening, a group of people marched several blocks from a park to the pride center. As they walked, they held up signs and yelled "Trans lives matter" and "Enough is enough." Each step and each chant had a purpose and a message. The march was followed by a community meal, and then powerful entertainment and messages during a memorial.
Statistics and Stories
"77% of the worldwide population of T-DOR (Transgender Day of Remembrance) hate crimes are people of color. 53% were Black trans women. 60% were killed by gunpoint. 39% by romantic or sexual partner or a loved one," Misty Eyez said. Pictures and the names of transgender victims of violence were displayed on stage.
Personal Stories of Loss
"I do have a good sister, Sequence, who was brutally murdered in 2022. I definitely want to keep her memory alive," said Ashlee Hollerman, a speaker at the memorial. This year alone, at least 30 trans people lost their lives to anti-trans violence. Two of them died right here in our backyard.
A Call to Action
"It’s disheartening. It’s heartbreaking. It’s crushing because you know that person died – not because they’re a bad person, they weren’t criminal or psychopath or sociopath – that person died for being themselves," said Tommy Jmurrell, an activist. But activists say this day of remembrance isn’t just about mourning. It’s about awareness and visibility.
Conclusion
Transgender Day of Remembrance in Wilton Manors was organized by TransInclusive, a community drop-in center that provides vital resources to the trans community. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting and advocating for the transgender community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Transgender Day of Remembrance?
A: Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual event held on November 20th to honor the lives of transgender people who have been killed due to anti-transgender violence.
Q: How many transgender people have been killed this year?
A: At least 30 transgender people have lost their lives to anti-trans violence this year.
Q: What is the significance of Transgender Day of Remembrance?
A: The event serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting and advocating for the transgender community, and to raise awareness about the epidemic of anti-transgender violence.
