Second Annual Day of Remembrance Being Planned.

[Gwendolyn Ann Smith]

(Feel free to redistribute. Apologies for the crossposts.)

Howdy, ya'll,

Last year some of us got together and planned a Day of Remembrance in
honor of the victims of trans violence, which included both the
blacking out of many trans websites as well as some offline vigils and
events.

This year, we are taking it to another level: while again hoping that
many websites will participate, we are also planning a vigil/rally here
in the SF Bay Area, and people in many other areas are showing interest
in planning similar local events.

Day of Remembrance is November 28th, 2000 -- the second anniversary of
the death of Rita Hester, who's murder is still unsolved.

The problem of anti-transgender violence has not decreased, and still
remains at a minimum of one a month. In fact, so far this year we have
seen nine trans murders, putting us ahead of average.

The most recent death, that of Amanda Milan in New York City, was
reportedly observed by several cab drivers, who applauded and cheered
as she bled to death. So far, her death has *not* being covered by the
NY media, aside from one brief mention on one television station.

It is up to us to bring attention to this and others we have lost to
violence, and let others know that this sort of treatment is
unacceptable.

If you want further details, or (please!) wish to host or help on an
event in your area, feel free to drop me a note at gw...@gwensmith.com.
I will be out for a period of time later this month into August, but
will respond to your note ASAP.

Cheers,
Gwen Smith

--
. .
/\\//\ Gwendolyn Ann Smith * Community Host, Trans Gazebo
> () < Board Member, GEA * Webmistress, TransBay
\/()\/ Webmistress, SCCatl * Webmistress, Gender.org
"I want this to be a harmony of voices" - Lauren D. Wilson
**Posts may not reflect the views of the above organizations

[Joann Prinzivalli]

There was actually a brief note in the New York Times, apparently picked up
from the police blotter, referring to the victim as "a man in women's
clothing."

The Metropolitan Community Church in NYC will be having a memorial service
for Amamda on July 23rd at 3:30 pm, followed by a procession from the church
to the murder site, where a street shrine will be placed. A NYC permit has
been obtained.

There is a movement to convince the NYPD to classify this murder as a bias
crime. To date, they have not done so.

Joann

--
****************************************************************************
* Joann Prinzivalli
*
* visit my website at:
*
* http://www.geocities.com/WestHollywood/Chelsea/8828/ *
****************************************************************************
*

Gwendolyn Ann Smith <gw...@gwensmith.comatose> wrote in message
news:060720001558345377%gw...@gwensmith.comatose...

[Gwendolyn Ann Smith]

In article <e1ILlHG6$GA.284@cpmsnbbsa09>, Joann Prinzivalli
<pjpr...@e-mail.msn.com> wrote:

> There was actually a brief note in the New York Times, apparently picked up
> from the police blotter, referring to the victim as "a man in women's
> clothing."

Well, I suppose it is better than nothing -- though I do get tired of
people being categorized as such.

I guess if I was killed, that's all I'd be too.

> The Metropolitan Community Church in NYC will be having a memorial service
> for Amamda on July 23rd at 3:30 pm, followed by a procession from the church
> to the murder site, where a street shrine will be placed. A NYC permit has
> been obtained.

I wish I could be there, but I'll be in the midwest at that time on
another trip.