Dozens of community members gathered in Duncan City Square on Monday for a candlelight vigil marking Transgender Day of Remembrance. The event, hosted by Cowichan Pride Society, aimed to raise awareness about the violence and discrimination faced by transgender and gender-diverse individuals.
Carly Jahelka from Cowichan Pride Society opened the ceremony with a land acknowledgement, recognizing the violence that occurs on stolen land. Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed annually on November 20th to honor the lives of transgender people who have been victims of violence. A poster board displayed the names of 320 trans and gender-diverse individuals who were killed worldwide last year.
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Debra Toporowski, a councillor with the Municipality of North Cowichan, spoke about the importance of supporting the transgender community and standing together. Pax Elle, also from Cowichan Pride Society, highlighted the challenges faced by transgender youth, including the high rates of suicide attempts compared to cisgendered individuals.
The event aimed to provide a safe space for both visible and invisible members of the transgender community. Attendees were invited to write words of love and support on post-it notes, which were added to a poster alongside the names of trans individuals who lost their lives.
In a powerful moment of solidarity, the crowd stood in silence before offering their messages of love and encouragement. The event emphasized the resilience and bravery of transgender individuals, while also acknowledging the ongoing discrimination and violence they face.
The vigil served as a reminder of the importance of creating inclusive and supportive communities for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity. It also highlighted the need for continued advocacy and awareness to address the systemic challenges and discrimination faced by the transgender community.
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If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, please reach out for support. The Trans Lifeline can be reached at 1-877-330-6366.
