P.A. remembers victims of anti-transgender violence

Nov 20, 2017 | 12:54 PM

Today marks international Transgender Day of Remembrance.

To recognize this Prince Albert Pride and various partners organized an event Sunday to remember the victims of anti-trans violence.

“The day is designed to highlight the very high incidents of violence faced by people in the trans and gender diverse community,” Lana Wilson said, treasurer of Prince Albert Pride. “That group is absolutely among the highest worldwide at risk of violence.”

Advocates and supporters gathered for what Wilson called “an incredibly moving and somber” occasion to remember the 355 people who have lost their lives around the world to anti-trans violence.

The city’s police chief along with two city councillors were also among those in attendance at the John M. Cuelenaere Library.

Wilson said all levels of government need to become more aware of violence against transgender people as they are key to decision-making.

“[Things] like changing markers on ID, like enacting and supporting legislation that includes the protection of gender expression and gendered identity as protected human rights grounds,” she said would go a long way to protecting the safety of trans people.

She added having police chief Troy Cooper return to this annual event to give words of support was an ongoing positive step towards wider education and awareness among police officers.

“[Officers] need to be aware that anti-trans violence and gender diverse violence is motivated by violent crime and to be sensitive to this when talking to victims and families,” she said.

The total number of people affected by anti-trans violence is even more disturbing than the world-wide statistic of 355 individuals.

“It’s important to note that statistic does not include people who took their own lives as a result of anti-trans bullying,” Wilson said. “It also does not include people who may have been misgendered in the press and whose murders and the violence they suffered are not recognized as an anti-transgender crime. We remember all those people not on the list and those who suffer every day.”

 

glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow