Transgender Day of Remembrance

What is Trans* Day of Remembrance?

Transgender Day of Remembrance was set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The event is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder on November 28th, 1998 (in Boston) kicked off the “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999. Rita Hester’s murder — like most anti-transgender murder cases — has yet to be solved.

Although not every person represented during the Day of Remembrance self-identified as transgendered — that is, as a transsexual, crossdresser, or otherwise gender-variant — each was a victim of violence based on bias due to their gender identity or expression.

Promote ENDA

ENDA stands for the Employment Non-Discrimination ActThe Employment Non-Discrimination Act would address discrimination in the workplace by making it illegal to fire, refuse to hire, or refuse to promote an employee simply based on his or her sexual orien-tation or gender identity. It would reinforce the principle that employment decisions should be based upon a person’s qualifications and job performance.

Although some Cities and States have given protections to Trans* people, a federal ENDA would ensure consistency and make a strong statement that discrimination is not acceptable in the United States.

We are lucky in Rhode Island to have Transgender protections in the workplace but many other states do not. It is up to us to push forward and ensure that discrimination is outlawed. 

Join Us Tuesday November 20th

The Gay Straight Alliance is Teaming Up with the LGBTQ Center for a Candle lit Vigil. Decorate a Lumiere in memorial of those that have died from harassment for their Gender Identity and Expression.
Tuesday 5pm-8pm in the Memorial Union Ballroom
 

Did you know that it's currently absolutely legal to fire someone for being LGBTQ in most states?

ENDA would prevent Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.