Statement on Trans Day of Remembrance

November 18, 2022

CUASA Statement on Trans Day of Remembrance

November 20 marks the Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR) which was founded in 1999 by trans activist Gwendolyn Ann Smith to honor Rita Hester, a Black trans woman murdered the year prior. TDOR commemorates trans and gender non-conforming people who lost their lives due anti-transgender violence and suicide. TDOR is an opportunity for trans and nonbinary people to stop and acknowledge the grief and the fear that comes from living in a deeply transphobic world. It is an opportunity to mourn and honor friends, family, and chosen kin who are no longer with us. As Ontario based Queer Events so aptly phrases it, “through the vigil, we express love and respect for our people in the face of public indifference and hatred.” It’s also a day for cis (that is, non-transgender) people to show their solidarity and support.

On November 20 at 3:00 pm, the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) is organizing a postering event and gathering at the GSRC located in University Centre 427 to put up posters around campus and downtown to spread awareness of TDOR. The AIDS Committee of Ottawa will also be hosting a community gathering from 3:00-5:00 pm at 19 Main Street. Later that day from 6:30-7:30 pm there will be a vigil at the Human Rights Monument at 220 Elgin. The location of the reception afterwards is still to be determined, check out @transisbeautifulott on Instagram for updates.