Transgender Day of Remembrance is recognized annually on November 20. This observance seeks to honour the memories of the transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, and otherwise gender-diverse people whose lives were lost due to acts of anti-transgender violence.
Founded by transgender activist Gwendolyn Ann Smith in 1999 to honour the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman murdered in 1998, TDOR has since grown into an international day of mourning and activism. TDOR serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles and violence faced by transgender individuals and the need for a more inclusive and accepting society.
With the growing concerns regarding anti-trans rhetoric and legislation in Canada and the rest of the world, this work continues to be pivotal today and more so in future. Transgender people deserve the right to self-determination and self-expression without prejudice, as well as access to safe lifesaving and affirming care. It is essential to create spaces for accurate information about the experiences and stories for transgender people. At the University of Lethbridge, we are committed to this work — building safe and inclusive spaces for all experiences, stories and identities.
Trans Day of Remembrance is a time for all of us — straight and queer, cisgender and transgender — to come together to remember those we have lost. This is also a time for us all to renew our commitment to support and create a better today and tomorrow for those who are still with us and for those who will come after us.
Tonight, Q Space – a student-led organization that seeks to provide safe spaces and act as an advocate for 2SLGBTQ+ students – in partnership with the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion team, will be hosting an event to honour those who have been lost in the past year to anti-trans violence.
The event will include speakers from various community groups and organizations, as well as an open-mic period for members of the campus community to share their experiences, thoughts and remembrances. Refreshments will be served and all members of the campus community – faculty, staff, students and leaders – are welcome to attend from 3-6 p.m. in Andy’s Place (AH100) and join in this day of honouring those who have been lost.
We recognize the emotional impact of this day and remind students, staff and faculty that supports are available. Information about 2SLGBTQ+ resources at ULethbridge is available at: https://www.ulethbridge.ca/lgbtq
If you need to talk to someone:
Eligible employees can access support through the University's Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) managed by Homewood Health. Homewood Health may be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phoning 1-800-663-1142. All calls are completely confidential.
For students, please access assistance by contacting Counselling Services (including information about 24-hour counselling resources), Iikaisskini Indigenous Services or connect with an Elder in Residence.
Dr. Digvir Jayas, OC, PhD, DSc, PEng, PAg, FRSC
Blackfoot name: Ikkayiinnii (Fast Buffalo)
President and Vice-Chancellor
Martha Mathurin Moe, BA, MEd
Blackfoot name: Aka-isam-o’too (Arrived a Long Time Ago)
Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
For more resources, consider the following links:
Transgender Day of Remembrance | GLAAD
Remembering our Dead | Trans Lives Matter
Federal Statement by Minister Marci Ien on the 25th anniversary of Transgender Day of Remembrance
Contact:
Martha Mathurin-Moe | martha.mathurinmoe@uleth.ca