Transgender Day of Remembrance

I have TDoR marked on my calendar each year and every year I struggle with what to say about it. The awareness that our community is affected by anti-trans violence at a significantly higher rate than non-trans individuals sits heavy with me all year.

For those unfamiliar with the history of TDoR, it was created back in 1999 by trans advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a trans woman who was killed in 1998. The event is usually held now at the end of Trans Awareness Week, which highlights topics that directly impact the community. Since its inception back in the late 90s, vigils are now hosted annually around the world. The format varies a bit, but an important part of the event includes the reading of names of those trans individuals who lost their lives due to anti-trans violence in the past year. The list grows longer each year and as community members, we should be using every ounce of our privilege to protect trans people (whether from personal discrimination or wider systemic discrimination).

Today we grieve. Today we rage on behalf of those whose lives ended too soon. Today we hold space for our trans family and friends who may be experiencing collective grief.

Below are the names of the 71 trans and non-binary individuals who were killed this past year in the US due to anti-trans violence. Sit with each name. Speak them out loud.

Today, today we grieve. But tomorrow – tomorrow, I will be ready to push ahead and fight for those I love.

  1. Felycya Harris
  2. Brooklyn DeShauna Smith
  3. Sara Blackwood
  4. Angel Unique Haynes
  5. Skylar Heath
  6. Fendi Mon’ezah Armstrong (“Peaches”)
  7. Yunieski Carey Herrera (“Yuni”)
  8. Asia Jynaé Foster
  9. Kimberly Susan Fial
  10. Chae’Meshia Simms (“ChaeChae”)
  11. Jaheim Bella Pugh
  12. Myliah Monae Mullen
  13. Courtney “Eshay” Key
  14. Alexandria Winchester
  15. Kimberely Patricia Cope (“Kim”)
  16. Bonaire Black (“Bonni”)
  17. Tyianna “Davarea” Alexander
  18. Samuel Edmund Damián Valentín
  19. Natasha Kieanna
  20. Bianca Bankz (“Muffin”)
  21. Dominique Jackson
  22. Sandie Crisp (“Goddess Bunny”)
  23. Fifty Bandz
  24. Alexus Braxton (Kimmy Icon Braxton)
  25. Alexander Blake VanDalsen
  26. Chyna Carrillo
  27. Jeffrey Bright (“JJ”)
  28. Jasmine Bright (“Jazzy”)
  29. Jenna Franks
  30. Kimberly Wirtz (“Tova”)
  31. Diamond Kyree Sanders/Diamond Nicole
  32. Rayanna Pardo
  33. Aidelen Evans
  34. Piper Autumn Rivers (Tegan Toxik/Tegan Last)
  35. Kim Ramirez
  36. Krys Brandon Ruiz
  37. Jaida Peterson
  38. Dominique Lucious
  39. Remy Fennell
  40. Tiara Banks
  41. Natalia Smüt Lopez
  42. Iris Santos
  43. Tiffany Thomas
  44. Keri Washington (“Bobo”)
  45. T. Hardin
  46. Jahaira DeAlto Balenciaga
  47. Whispering Wind Bear Spirit
  48. Sophie Vásquez
  49. Danny Henson
  50. Serenity Hollis
  51. Danielle Boachie (“Dani”)/Mistress Velvet
  52. Nona Moselle Conner
  53. Giselle Hartzog/Giselle Hilton
  54. Oliver Taylor (“Ollie”)
  55. Haven A Bailey
  56. Poe Black/Oliver Jackson (“Legion”, “Tommi”)
  57. KC Wilson
  58. Dee Dee Thomas
  59. Tierramarie Lewis
  60. Novaa Ru Watson (EJ Boykin)
  61. Rubi Dominguez
  62. Taya Ashton
  63. Jessica Smith
  64. Shai Vanderpump
  65. CoCo Chanel Wortham
  66. Pooh Johnson (“Titanizer Mua”)
  67. Claire Monserrat Jackson
  68. Zoella Rose Martinez (“Zoey”)
  69. Disaya Monaee Smith
  70. Brianna Ulmer/Brianna Hamilton
  71. Kiér Laprí Kartier

Sources:
https://www.glaad.org/tdor

https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/

Published On: November 21, 2021Categories: Featured Post, NewsTags: ,

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