Loading ...
Today is the 12th Annual International Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day that has been set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice.
The Transgender Day of Remembrance is recognized in over 180 cities Worldwide, many holding vigils to honor and mourn those senselessly taken from us this past year.
Please click here to find the location nearest you.
I am no authority on transgender issues, but I am deeply saddened that this kind of prejudice exists. The kind of hatred that denies happiness, and in many cases life to someone’s child, and friend.
In total, the preliminary results show 487 reports of murdered trans people in 39 countries since January 2008.*
Sadly, this year we have nearly 180 (179 at the time of this post) reported murders of trans people. That’s reported murders, the true numbers are unfortunately much higher; even worse these trends are expected to carry on well over the next 365 days.
I am no authority on trans issues but I am fortunate enough to call many transgender and transsexual people friends, and I cannot imagine the heartache of losing a single one of them, or the multiplied anger fueled by the ignorant reasoning behind them being taken. Therefore, if I have an opportunity to bring their issues to the proper light—I will do so.
Yet, we know, even these high numbers are only a fraction of the real figures; the truth is much worse.*
Photo by Scott Shifrel of nydailynews.com.
* Source: http://www.transrespect-transphobia.org/en_US/tvt-project/tmm-results/tdor2010.htm
I implore you to get involved.
We Need Volunteers
We are in the ground breaking stages of offering the community an empathy line for the GLBT community. This will be the first for the state of Utah and will provide resources, support and empathy. You will have the opportunity to provide these services and be a great support to something that is badly needed in our community. We are looking for 30 volunteers that will agree to a 6 month commitment beginning in the middle of January. You will be required to attend 8 hours of training which will be broken up into 2 different Saturdays (4 hours each). This training will prepare you to answer the phone lines and provide you with great skills that will help not only in your personal life but your work as well. This is also a great opportunity for those going into Social Work or therapist professions to get their volunteer hours in to be competitive candidates when applying for their bachelor and master programs. If you have other talents you would like to offer including leadership positions that are currently available, we need you.
Requirements
• 6 month commitment
• Able to attend training all 8 hours
• Pick up one 5 hour shift a week, Monday thru Sunday beginning in January
If this is something you are interested please contact melaniesquire@yahoo.com and provide the following so that we can secure your spot. Or call (801) 897-9487 and ask for Melanie.
1. Your name, email address and phone number
2. That you would like to be put on the list and can meet the requirements.
More information will be provided for those signing up about the upcoming training location and details.