Today is the day we remember transgender folks who have gone ahead, gone public, gone true to their souls to live lives of dignity. Too many times, they have lost their lives to bigotry and violence. There is energy to change the world, and change it must. We can’t go on like this. I hope we can honour the day as one of memory and also one of inspiration. Here are a few pieces to read and ponder.
Transgender Canadians Face ‘Constant’ Threat of Violence, Studies Find
Bringing change requires knowing where we stand. “Gender identity is not mentioned in the Criminal Code of Canada, so acts of violence targeting trans people aren’t officially considered hate crimes.”
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Remembering is not enough, advocates say: We must also take steps to create a better, fairer future.
“When asked what people can do to fight for justice for this community, Freedman-Gurspan says people need to be civically and socially engaged. She also talks about the importance of working to change attitudes about who trans people are by sharing their stories. “Only recently have people really shown a true interest in what it means to be transgender beyond just someone’s transition. What is daily life for people? What are not only the barriers but the beautiful things that are happening?”
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Quebec is celebrating Canada’s first trans mayor in a village west of Montreal: ‘We’re writing history‘
“Julie Lemieux isn’t only the first known trans person to be elected in Canada, she is the first woman to be elected in her municipality, founded in 1880.”
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If you’re in Vancouver tonight, there will be a vigil to honour trans lives lost. Organizers and allies hope to help ‘enlighten the world’ at Monday vigil.
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To end on a piece of joy, read Strong Lungs and a Mighty Heart, in which mom Amanda Jett Knox met her child who would go on to bravely be themselves:
“When this miraculous 10-pound infant finally came into the world, with cheeks for days and blue eyes as striking as a cold winter sky, the doctors looked between the legs and said, “Congratulations! It’s a boy!” They were wrong, of course. We know that now. But that’s okay – we all were. How could we have known?”
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Once you know, you do better. Here’s to honouring those gone, and the courage and energy of all who remain. We must push for everyone’s dignity and rights, together.