Today, November 20, 2020 is International Trans Day of Remembrance. On this day communities across the world hold vigil and commemorate trans and non-binary individuals who have died because of transphobia and anti-trans violence. In 1998 a Black trans woman, Rita Hester was murdered, just two days before her 35th birthday. Ever since, November 20th has been a day to pay respect and remember transgender and gender-diverse victims of anti-trans violence.
Did you know that the easy act of using someone’s correct pronoun and name is suicide prevention? Read that again. Using someone’s correct pronoun, and name, has such a strong positive effect on their mental health, that research shows that it might deter them from dying by suicide. Learn people’s pronouns, offer your pronouns and ask for theirs.
A simple, my name is X, and my pronouns are she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, ze/zer/zers, will suffice.
Today is also a day to celebrate trans existence! Read a book, watch a movie, tell your trans and non-binary friends that you love them and that you will help stop the violence.
To the trans community, we see you, we love you, we support you. <3

In Solidarity,
Polly Leonard, MSW, RSW
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer
Acadia University
@acadiauniversityequity

#TDOR #TRANSVISIBILITY #STOPTHEVIOLENCE #PROTECTTRANSKIDS

Resources:

• Love Lives Here, A Story of Thriving in a Transgender Family, by Amanda Jetté Knox
• Disclosure Documentary 
• Now streaming on Netflix. This is a beautiful documentary about Trans representation in the Media. It’s a great opening documentary for everyone, trigger warning for discussions of violence.
• Trans* in college: transgender students' strategies for navigating campus life and the institutional politics of inclusion
• First spring grass fire, Spoon, Rae
• Gender failure, Spoon, Rae & Coyote, Ivan E.
• Check out the Egale Canada website for more information on ways you can get involved and remember the trans community.