Yesterday saw the beginning of Transgender Awareness Week, which is being acknowledged around the world between November 12 and 19, with Trans Day Of Remembrance being recognised on Tuesday, November 20.
According to GLAAD, Transgender Awareness Week is an opportunity for the transgender community and their allies to raise awareness about issues that face the trans community by educating people about prejudice, discrimination, and violence against trans people.
To commemorate the week, TENI (Transgender Equality Network Ireland) will host a commemoration event on Trans Day Of Remembrance to remember the lives that have been injured and lost due to transphobia.
“Despite great advances in LGBT equality, many in the trans community still experience violence, discrimination and stigma. On a global level, many trans women, particularly trans women of colour and sex workers, are murdered. This must end,” they wrote on Facebook.
The ceremony will include candle lighting, reflections and songs, and is “not only a commemoration, but a celebration of life.”
“Let us all work to ensure better lives for trans people in Ireland and everywhere,” they added.
The event will take place at Dublin Unitarian Church, 112 St Stephen’s Green West, Dublin 2.
Trans Day Of Remembrance was started by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honour her memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998.
Trans Pride Dublin will hold a protest to mark Trans Day Of Remembrance on November 20.
“On Trans Day Of Remembrance, we are coming together to show our opposition to a system where trans people’s lives are devalued.
“Trans Day Of Remembrance is a day where we mourn for the people we have lost but it is also important to keep on fighting for those who are living. We want to show our solidarity with all other trans people, especially those facing persecution.
“We are no longer accepting a world where anti-trans violence and prejudice is so widespread. After the protest, we will be going to the Trans Day Of Remembrance Ceremony in the Dublin Unitarian Church at 8 pm and we invite you to join us. Our deepest respect and love to all those who have passed. Mourn for the dead, fight like hell for the living,” they wrote on Facebook.
The protest will be held at the Spire on O’Connell Street, Dublin 1 at 6 pm.
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