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The Transgender Day of Remembrance was set aside to
memorialize those who were killed due to
anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The event is held
in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder on
November 28th, 1998 kicked off the “Remembering Our
Dead” web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil
in 1999. Rita Hester’s murder — like most
anti-transgender murder cases — has yet to be solved.
Although not every person represented during the Day of
Remembrance self-identified as transgendered — that is,
as a transsexual, crossdresser, or otherwise
gender-variant — each was a victim of violence based on
bias against transgendered people.
We live in times more sensitive than ever to hatred-based violence, especially since the events of September
11th. Yet even now, the deaths of those based on
anti-transgender hatred or prejudice are largely
ignored. Over the last decade, more than one person per
month has died due to transgender-based hate or
prejudice, regardless of any other factors in their
lives. This trend shows no sign of abating.
The Transgender Day of Remembrance serves several
purposes. It raises public awareness of hate crimes
against transgendered people, an action that current
media doesn’t perform. Day of Remembrance publicly
mourns and honors the lives of our brothers and sisters
who might otherwise be forgotten. Through vigil, we
express love and respect for our people in the face of
national indifference and hatred. Day of Remembrance
reminds non-transgendered people that we are their sons,
daughters, parents, friends and lovers. Day of
Remembrance gives our allies a chance to step forward
with us and stand in vigil, memorializing those of us
who’ve died by anti-transgender violence.
Note:
The above text is from the world-wide Transgender Day of
Remembrance site.
http://gender.org/remember/day/what.html |
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 Remembering
Our Dead began as an annual Houston event in 1999 through
the efforts of Vanessa Edwards Foster. Until 2005, the day of
remembrance was held on the steps of Houston's City Hall. The
intimate yet powerful annual gatherings drew supporters,
community members and political figures alike.
Through
efforts of Ms. Foster and others, the Houston Transgender
Day of Remembrance inspired many to become more involved within
their community.
In
2005, The Transgender Unity Committee became the main
organizing body for the Houston Transgender Day of Remembrance.
The Houston Transgender Unity Committee is a not-for-profit
organization which provides that entire Houston area transgender
community a forum to meet and organize community efforts.
This
year is the third time Houston will experience a
multi-event Transgender Day of Remembrance. It is also the
third year that Remembrance has enjoyed sponsorship.
Note:
The Houston Transgender Unity Committee meets on the first
Monday of each month from 6:30 until 8 PM at Bringing Memorial
Methodist Church located at 1440 Harold Street in the Montrose
area of Houston. All are welcome to participate and help shape
community activates such as the annual Houston Transgender Day
of Remembrance.
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