Trans Day of Remembrance

Trans Day of Remembrance Monday November 20

Hello friends,

November 20th is Trans Day of Remembrance, a time to look back and remember those we have lost, give our respects, and look forward with renewed determination.

Anti-trans violence is prolific.  In the last year there have been more than 320 murders of trans people, with highest rates in Brazil (107), the United States (62), Mexico (52), and Columbia (21) [map].  To see some of their stories, click here.  More than 4,600 trans / non-binary people having been murdered since 2008 when Trans Respect first began tracking.  
Remembering Our Dead - Reports
index
tdor.translivesmatter.info

Internalized transphobia, lack of acceptance, and chronic fear contribute to adverse mental health outcomes for the trans community.   In addition to murder, suicide claims a large number of us.  According to the Williams Institute, 81% of trans adults have thought about suicide, 42% have attempted, and others engage in risky behaviors such as self-harm and substance use.

All that being said, we can each make a difference.  Access to gender affirming care, which can be as simple as respecting chosen names, pronouns, and clothing choices, can reduce suicide risks by 73%, and just one gender affirming adult in a person's life can be the difference needed to prevent suicide.
Suicide Risk Reduces 73% in Transgender, Nonbinary Youths with Gender-Affirming Care
Transgender and nonbinary youths, a population with an exceptional risk of suicide and poor mental health outcomes, were found to have 60% lower odds of depression after receiving gender-affirming intervention.
www.hcplive.com
"Transgender people face extraordinary levels of physical and sexual violence, whether on the streets, at school or work, at home, or at the hands of government officials. More than one in four trans people has faced a bias-driven assault, and rates are higher for trans women and trans people of color...  This effort cannot be limited to just Transgender Day of Remembrance. Public education, policy change and community efforts are needed to address the complex causes of anti-trans violence and ensure victims can receive support." - TransEquality.org

We can all make the world a little bit better by showing up, speaking out for, and uplifting trans and non-binary people.  

I invite you to join me for an informal Trans Day of Remembrance event Monday November 20th in JSC-101 The Spot from 12pm-1pm to talk, share stories, express anxieties, or ask questions.  I hope to see you there! 
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