November 20th marks Trans Day of Remembrance, a day to remember the transgender and gender diverse people in our community who have lost their lives to violence.
This year the Youth Pride Network will be hosting an event in Hyde Park to commemorate the solemn anniversary and celebrate the resilience of the trans community.
YPN will be holding a picnic this evening, focusing the event on self-care and community. TransFolk of WA will also be there with their new trans pride shirts and flags which can be purchased to help support the incredible work of the local organisation.
Transgender Day of Remembrance grew out of a memorial for Rita Hester. Hester was murdered in Alston, Massachusetts on November 28th 1998.
The day of remembrance also draws attention to press coverage of crimes committed against transgender people. Often reporting of these crimes is delivered in a sensationalist manner with a focus on the gender characteristics of the victim.
A list of the people being remembered in 2018 is published on the official Transgender Day of Remembrance website.
Find out more about tonight’s all ages picnic on Facebook.
Do you need some support?
If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, support and counselling are available from:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyondblue: and www.beyondblue.org.au
QLife: and www.qlife.org.au
QLife are a counselling and referral service for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) people.