Transgender Day of Remembrance

Every November 20, we observe Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) to honor transgender people who have fallen victim to transphobia. TDoR originated in San Francisco and Boston, commemorating the lives of Black transgender women Rita Hester and Chanelle Pickett. The movement has now spread to over 20 countries, shedding light on the ongoing violence against transgender individuals.

Yet, this is just the beginning. Believing the fight for equality has been won might lead to neglecting the necessary steps to protect our LGBTQ+ community from persistent discrimination and violence.

According to a article by the Human Right Campaign, "Exclusion of LGBTI people from the design, implementation, and monitoring of laws and policies that affect them perpetuates their social and economic marginalization."

Odyssey World hosted a remarkable event featuring inspiring speakers. It began with a City Council Proclamation observing the significance of Transgender Day of Remembrance. The event continued with a ceremony in the Community Foundation of Southwest's community room, including a moving performance by a choir and harpist. Brave testimonies were shared by speakers Dr. Byon Harris, Linden Wells, Leeza Edwards, Sharon Wylie, and Skylar. The gathering concluded with a symbolic ribbon tying on a tree, pledging to never forget the lives that paved the way towards justice and those continuing the fight.

As Skylar emphasized, "It's so easy to believe that the world at large wouldn't notice you slipping through the cracks when you're a trans youth. That's why events like these are crucial, making it known that we need trans youth here, now—living and breathing."