San Mateo County has joined in remembering the lives of those people who have been murdered for their gender identity or expression, which is why it proclaimed November 20 as Transgender Day of Remembrance.
This day is commemorated annually on November 20 in memory of those whose lives have been lost as a result of anti-transgender violence, in recognition of the murder of Rita Hester in 1998.
Rita was a highly visible member of the transgender community in her native Boston, where she worked in transgender education.
“Transgender Day of Remembrance helps increase the visibility of transgender and gender diverse people who demonstrate courage and resilience in the face of prejudice, discrimination and violence,” said Dana Johnson, member of the County of LGBTQIA+ Commission. Saint Matthew.
“This proclamation focuses us all on the need for resources for members of our trans and non-binary community, the same access to resources that is given to our cisgender heterosexual counterparts,” he stressed.
In order to make San Mateo County an inclusive and affirming community for its trans and non-binary residents to thrive, local groups will come together to honor their loved ones and protect the lives of transgender people this Monday, November 20 at the San Mateo Public Library from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Is registration required due to limited space.
Those wishing to attend this event can do so in person at the Oak Room of the San Mateo Public Library, located at 55 W. 3rd Ave, or virtually by Zoom.
This year's event includes an altar, reading of names and a call to action. Creating change is difficult; especially when we cry for those who have lost their lives simply for being themselves.
In addition to honoring those who have died, it will also seek to create ways for the community to raise awareness and advocate to eliminate transgender murder.
Transgender Day of Remembrance coincides with United Against Hate Week 2023.
The names that will be read in this remembrance are 30: Jasmine “Star” Mack, 36, who died on January 7 in Washington, DC; KC Johnson, 27, died January 14 in Wilmington, North Carolina; Manuel Terán “Tortuguita”, 26 years old, died on January 18 in Atlanta, Georgia; María José Rivera Rivera, 22, who died on January 21 in Houston, Texas; Unique Banks, 21, died January 23 in Chicago, Illinois; Zachee Imanitwitaho, age unknown, died February 3 in Louisville, Kentucky; and Chashay Hernderson, 31, who died on February 26 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Also to Tasiyah Woodland, age unknown, who died on March 24 in St. Mary's County, Maryland; Ashley Burton, 37, died April 11 in Atlanta, Georgia; Koko Da Doll, 35, died April 18 in Atlanta, Georgia; Banko Brown, 24, died April 27 in San Francisco, California; Ome Gandhi, 16, died May 16 in Salt Lake City, Utah; Ashia Davis, 34, who died on June 2 in Detroit (Michigan); and Chanell Pérez Ortiz, 29 years old, who died on June 25 in Carolina (Puerto Rico).
Likewise, to Jacob Williamson, 18 years old, who died on June 30 in Monroe (South Carolina); Fernielle Mary Mora, 26 years old, died on July 6 in Bronx (New York); Camdyn Rider, 21 years old, died on July 21 in Winter Park (Florida); DéVonnie J'Rae Johnson, 28, who died on August 7 in Los Angeles (California); Luis Ángel Díaz Castro, 22 years old, died on August 12 in San Juan (Puerto Rico); Thomas “Tom-Tom” Robertson, 28, died August 17 in Calumet City, Indiana; Alexa Alex Andreevna Sokova, 34, who died on August 30 in Palm Bay (Florida); Bre'Asia Bankz, 27, died September 5 in Arizona; and YOKO, 30, who died on September 19 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
And finally to Sherlyn Marjorie, 35, who died on September 17 in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Skylar Harrison Reeves, 30, died October 2 in Washington, DC; Chyna Long, 30, died October 8 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Dominic Dupree aka Dominic Palace, age 25, died October 13 in Chicago, Illinois; A'nee Johnson, 30, died October 14 in Washington, DC; Lisa Love, 35, died October 17 in Chicago, Illinois; London Price, 26, died October 23 in Miami-Dade County, Florida.
Importantly, Transgender Remembrance Day helps increase the visibility of transgender and gender diverse people who demonstrate courage and resilience in the face of prejudice, discrimination and violence, and also serves to raise awareness of the need for that elected officials, the law enforcement community, the media, and the community at large address the challenges these individuals face.
This publication was supported in whole or part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the CaliFornia State Library.
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