“Working Towards Justice from a Place of Grief” Panel

Submitted by qcenter on Thu, 11/05/2009 - 13:08

In honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance 2009, the Q Center is hosting a few events:

  • “Working Towards Justice from a Place of Grief” Panel
    Wednesday, Nov 18th, 5-7pm
    at the UW ECT [Ethnic Cultural Theatre] at 3940 Brooklyn Ave NE
    Come join local community activists in a conversation about working with and through grief to engage in anti-oppression work.

  • Candlelight Vigil
    Friday, Nov 20th, 6pm
    at Montlake and Pacific in front of the UW entrance stairs
    The vigil is a space to show our love and respect for those murdered due to anti-transgender hatred [105+ this year alone]. With an open mic for those with a poem, prayer, song, or loving words.

  • Quiet Remembering Space
    Friday, Nov 20th, from 9am until 5:30pm
    The Q Center’s conference room will be set aside as a quiet remembering, prayer, and meditation space.

  • Facebook Profile Picture Black Out
    Friday, Nov 20th
    Along with other campuses, we invite you to dedicate your Facebook/Myspace/Social profile picture for one day to TDOR. This can help raise awareness and show your love for those murdered. Please feel free to use this graphic: click here.

What is Transgender Day of Remembrance?

Over 500 people are known to have been murdered for being transgendered, and there are many more unknown.  TDOR is observed each November to memorialize those who were killed specifically due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice.  On Nov 28th, 1998, Rita Hester‘s murder inspired the “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a candlelight vigil that began TDOR.  Like most anti-transgender murder cases, hers has yet to be solved.

What Does Transgendered Mean?

Transgendered is an umbrella term for people that in one way or another lie outside the female/male “gender binary” and challenge gender stereotypes. This includes people who are:

  • transsexual
  • gender-queer
  • androgynous
  • cross-dressing
  • drag kings and queens
  • among many others

TDOR Serves Several Purposes:

  • to publicly mourn and honor our brothers and sisters who might otherwise be forgotten
  • it reminds non-transgender people that we are their children, parents, friends, and lovers
  • it gives our allies a chance to join us and stand in memory of those who have died
  • to raise public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people
  • through the vigil, we show love and respect in the face of indifference and hatred