Transgender Day of Remembrance 2020

On Friday November 20th 2020, we solemnly remember those who are transgender or in the non-binary spectrum who suffered from violence or have tragically died as a result.

The day was started in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as to honour the memory of Rita Hester, a transwoman killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated the many lives lost each year due to transphobic violence. As years passed, we now include non-binary individuals as well who suffer from violence.

As this year passed, we sadly lost Canadian transgender rights activist Julie Berman on December 22, 2019 who was murdered at her home. She was a hairdresser and a champion of LGBTQ+ rights. She was also running Transgender Day of Remembrance in Toronto to which she had spoken at many times previous years. A vigil was held for her in February of this year.

Previously, we cited Trans PULSE Canada with their statistics, as currently we wait for results on the more recent study done in 2019/2020. Please visit their website to look at their previous studies and resources. However, we still quote that trans and non-binary individuals experience high levels of depression and suicide and more than half of trans individuals in Ontario have consistent symptoms with clinical depression. Almost half had a history with suicide.

Today, please take the time to remember and honour those who have passed.

Below are some resources you may feel free to use.