[Blog/Commentary] [USA] Education Needed on Transgender Day of Remembrance

[Stephanie Stevens]

Change.org, USA


GAY RIGHTS

Education Needed on Transgender Day of Remembrance

by Adam Amel Rogers

category: Transgender Issues

Published November 20, 2009 @ 09:54AM PT


Tyli’a Mack and Paulina Ibarra were among the many who were stabbed to
death. Kamilla was shot by her boyfriend after he discovered she had
been born male. Several others were beaten and left to die. In total,
at least 97 transgender people were murdered in 2009.

Today marks the 11th International Transgender Day of Remembrance,
which honors victims of anti-transgender violence. The devastating
list of people <http://www.transgenderdor.org/?page_id=555> to
memorialize is vast and heartbreaking. The day of remembrance began
after Rita Hester
<http://www.gender.org/remember/people/ritahester.html?loc=interstitialskip>
, a transgender woman, was brutally murdered in 1998. As we honor
these important people, it is imperative that we also focus on ways to
create a safer existence for transgender and gender non-conforming
individuals.

In many ways, the transgender community has been left behind in this
equality movement. An increased focus on legal relationship
recognition for gay and lesbian couples has taken away resources from
issues more pressing to the trans community. If we are going to make a
dent in anti-transgender violence, significant resources need to be
dedicated to education and understanding of the issues facing trans
people.

Many allies, though committed to LGBT rights, remain ill-equipped to
talk about transgender equality. Everyone in the movement needs to
make a concerted effort to improve their individual trans IQ.

What better time than Transgender Day of Remembrance to start
improving your trans awareness? Candlelight vigils are being held all
around the globe tonight. Find the one closest to you
<http://www.transgenderdor.org/> and take this opportunity to learn
more about this important movement.


http://gayrights.change.org/blog/view/education_needed_on_transgender_day_of_remembrance