Transgender Day of Remembrance 2008
The Transgender Day of Remembrance, which honors the memory of those murdered because of anti-transgender prejudice, is recognized annually on November 20. GLAAD encourages journalists to mark the occasion with stories about the pervasive problem of hate crimes against transgender people, as well as the diversity and resilience of the community in the face of harassment and violence. Local observances may vary, so be sure to check with a local LGBT Center, Gay-Straight Alliance or other support group likely to be participating.
Background
The Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed in late November in recognition of the 1998 murder of Rita Hester. Rita was a highly visible member of the transgender community in her native Boston, where she worked locally on education around transgender issues. On Saturday, Nov 28, Rita was stabbed 20 times in her apartment. A neighbor called the police and Rita was rushed to the hospital, but passed away from cardiac arrest only moments after being admitted. Ten years later, Rita’s murderer (or murderers) has still not been found.
In 1999, one year after Rita’s murder, advocate and writer Gwendolyn Ann Smith coordinated a vigil in Rita’s honor. The vigil commemorated not only Rita, but also all the transgender people lost to violence and hatred.
In addition to the vigil, Smith launched the Web site “Remembering Our Dead” to recognize those whose lives have been lost to anti-transgender violence. The number of dead honored on the site has since grown to more than 280 people. Organizations throughout the world — from Groupe Activiste Trans in Paris to Human Rights Commission of Tel Aviv in Israel to Diritti in Movimiento in Pescara, Italy — have since taken to recognizing the day. Media coverage of Transgender Day of Remembrance events often includes documenting lives lost to hate crimes, as well as the routine harassment, discrimination and violence that members of the transgender community encounter on a regular basis.
Use the navigation to the right to explore the GLAAD's Transgender Day of Remembrance Resource Kit.
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©2008 Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation |
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