Features / Trans day of remembrance
Commemorating Trans Day of Remembrance 2021 in Bristol and beyond
Transgender Day Of Remembrance is held annually on November 20th, marking the end of Trans Awareness Week each year. It’s a time for the trans community and our allies to mourn the members of our community who have lost their lives to transphobic violence over the past year.
2021 marks the deadliest year on record for trans people, with at least 462 transgender people being killed through acts of transphobic hate.
is needed now More than ever
Blue, pink and white flags fly proudly outside the BBC’s Whiteladies Road HQ as people gather to take a stand against transphobia – photo by Ellie Pipe
A phrase that’s often spoken around this time of year is “mourn the dead, fight like hell for the living”.
Trans Day Of Remembrance is about our collective trans grief, but it is more than that; it’s a reminder to reflect and redouble our efforts in protecting the lives and rights of trans people worldwide.
If you would like to commemorate those who have lost their lives, here are some ways you can get involved in Bristol and the South West.
Donate to trans causes
Bristol and the South West are home to some incredible organisations supporting trans people, and the effects of the pandemic have hit many hard. Why not donate to a local charity in memory of trans lives lost?
Off The Record’s Freedom is a peer support group and social space for LGBTQ+ people between 13 and 25; among other things, they provide a safe space for trans youth to experiment with and better understand their gender identity.
Pride Without Borders supports LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers in the Bristol area. Many of those they support have fled transphobic violence in their home country.
Homelessness disproportionately impacts trans youth, and akt supports LGBTQ+ youth facing homelessness though outreach and advocacy services.
Volunteers from Bristol Trans+ Mindline. Image via Bristol Mind.
Volunteer
If you have time to spare, you could volunteer with a local trans+ organisation.
If you have lived experience as a trans person, you could volunteer with Bristol Trans+ Mindline; a mental health support phoneline for trans+ people with mental health difficulties.
Keep an eye out for volunteer call-outs from LGBTQ+ organisations year round, and never underestimate how much your efforts could change the life of a trans person in need of support.
Attend a vigil
Opentable is hosting a free online remembrance vigil to honour and mourn the 462 trans people we lost to violence this year.
The vigil takes place on November 20th at 5pm, and is accessible via Youtube Premiere:
For more information, visit their event page.
Opentable is hosting an online TDOR vigil. Image via Opentable.lgbt
Support trans creatives
If there’s a trans YouTuber, podcaster, writer, or other content creator whose work you appreciate, why not see if they have a Ko-Fi or Patreon? Honor those who have passed by supporting the next generation of trans creatives.
Or support trans and queer events in person! Strange Brew is playing host to a trans and non-binary art fair, clothes swap, and social event on November 20th from 12-5pm.
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Above all else, look out for your trans and non-binary friends, and remember:
Mourn the dead, fight like hell for the living.
Main Image: Nicky Ebbage
Read More:Spike in number of trans youth facing homelessness in Bristol
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