All photos by Gareth Gooch.
This week is Transgender Awareness Week, a time for increased visibility and activism, drawing attention to the issues the trans community faces. That includes increased violence and murder around the world—as of August, killings of transgender people this year in the United States had already surpassed the 2019 total, and the amount of 2019 murders globally was staggering.
Transgender Day of Remembrance is the annual vigil to recognize such tragedy—which overwhelmingly affects BIPOC—and commemorate the victims, while also celebrating trans ancestors and showing strength in unity and visibility. On Monday evening, City Hall glowed purple for the occasion, as several dozen gathered in front with candles, signs, speakers, and a DJ spinning from the BAAAHS party bus. Aztec dancers led a solemn moment before bursting into motion. Participants then marched to the historic Transgender District at the corner of Turk and Taylor for more speeches and music.
A letter from the organizers read:
This year has been a tough one, and we have lost too many of our family. On top of unjust and violent murders, we are also experiencing a global pandemic that has affected our communities in great numbers, and we have lost great leaders to natural causes as well. We know that the grieving process is different for everyone, and that many of our families choose to celebrate the lives of those who left us. So, in an effort to heal together, we want to invite you to celebrate the lives of the people who we have lost and remember them as we continue to fight for the right to live happy, fruitful lives without constant discrimination and violence.
