On November 20th every year communities across the globe memorialize those whose lives were lost in acts of anti-trans violence.
In 1999, a vigil was held to remember the murder of Rita Hester, a black trans woman. This moment in 2SLGBTQ+ history started an important tradition that has become the annual Trans Day of Remembrance.
Members of the trans community continue to face violence and discrimination. Today 20% of all trans Ontarians “had been physically or sexually assaulted for being trans, and another 34% had been verbally threatened or harassed but not assaulted” (Trans PULSE Project).
Capital Pride stands firmly against all forms of violence and discrimination, understanding that there is more work to be done to protect vulnerable members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Ottawa’s Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil will take place on Nov 20th at the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights. For more information please visit the Facebook event page.
— Capital Pride Board of Directors
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