Transgender Awareness Week and Transgender Day of Remembrance/Resilience Information
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A message from the Gender Identity and Expression Working Group
Nov. 13-19 is Transgender Awareness Week, leading up to Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) on Nov. 20. Observed since 1999, TDOR is an opportunity to remember and honor the transgender and nonbinary people who have been killed in acts of transphobic violence in the previous year. Trans people are more than four times as likely to experience violent victimization than cisgender people, with an outsized impact on Black transgender women. Transphobia can impact anyone who does not appear to fit stereotypical ideas of gender—cisgender people have also been targeted and killed because of their perceived gender identity.
In 2015, a New Orleans youth organization called BreakOUT! made a call to shift the meaning of TDOR to be Transgender Day of Resilience. Many have followed suit since then, choosing to emphasize the community’s strength in the face of such circumstances, rather than their victimization by them. This is also why Transgender Awareness Week occurs leading up to TDOR.
In addition to calling out and educating about hate, violence and discrimination, it is important to find ways to uplift transgender and gender expansive individuals. It is also important to find way to uplift our joy, community and hope. Read trans people’s stories in their own words and learn more below!
Upcoming Events in San Diego County:
Saturday, Nov. 18, 9 a.m. to noon: Stop the Hate Listening Session at MiraCosta Community Learning Center, hosted by North County LGBTQ Resource Center and Stop the Hate CA
Monday, Nov. 20, 5 to 8 p.m.: TDOR at the Oceanside Civic Center Library, hosted by North County LGBTQ Resource Center and the Gender Advocacy Project
Monday, Nov. 20, 6 to 8 p.m.: TDOR at The Center, hosted by The San Diego LGBT Community Center
Local resources for the transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive community:
Project TRANS at The Center
Gender Advocacy Project at North County LGBTQ Resource Center
Resources for allies:
This video (above) from the University of Central Florida explains different aspects of gender identity and expression, how they impact all of us, and how challenging binaries can create more space for everyone to be themselves.
If you’d like to learn more about how to be an ally to the transgender and gender expansive community, read GLAAD’s Tips for Allies of Transgender People.
The County has a Pronoun Policy to create an affirming environment for all employees. Learn how to use gender pronouns and learn how to practice gender inclusive language in your communications and work.