On a chilly, rainy evening, members of the Columbus transgender community gathered at King Avenue United Methodist Church, each person carrying mixed emotions. The occasion was the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), a day dedicated to honouring transgender and gender-expansive individuals who have lost their lives due to violence.
However, this year’s gathering felt different. The looming presence of a political climate that has grown increasingly hostile towards the transgender community added a heavy layer of concern to the event. Transgender people are not only mourning those they’ve lost to violence but also bracing for the potential dangers ahead as Donald Trump’s return to office looms.
Why Transgender Day of Remembrance Matters
The Transgender Day of Remembrance falls annually on November 20th, serving as both a memorial and a call to action. It’s a moment to reflect on the lives lost to violence, but also to raise awareness of the ongoing struggles the community faces.
- Over 350 transgender lives lost to violence since 2013, according to reports from the Human Rights Campaign.
- 36 transgender people died from violence just in the past year, including Kassim Omar from Columbus.
For many, this isn’t just a day of mourning, it’s a powerful statement of defiance.
Facing Uncertainty: Transgender People in a Divisive World
As the 2024 Presidential Election drew near, the transgender community faced heightened fears. Transgender rights were a frequent target of inflammatory political rhetoric during the campaign. The result? A sense of vulnerability for many, with some feeling their very existence being debated on a national stage.
Judah Clayton, a 22-year-old office worker and attendee of the Day of Remembrance, voiced the pain many feel:
“It feels like people are finding glory in my suffering. They don’t know who I am. It hurts. It’s painful.”
Judah’s sentiment echoes the experiences of countless others in the transgender community, who face increasing discrimination and even physical violence. This year’s Day of Remembrance was both a mourning and a rallying cry for solidarity.
The Fight for Transgender Rights in 2024
Despite the bleak atmosphere, this year’s gathering was not only about remembering those lost but also about looking forward. For many in the transgender community, resilience is the key to survival, and they continue to stand strong in the face of adversity.
Felicia DeRosa, a prominent transgender artist, educator, and activist in Columbus, has been leading efforts to organise this event for over ten years. She explains,
“We want to remind our youngest members that their elders are here, and this is not our first rodeo.”
The transgender community has been battling for their rights for decades, and while progress has been made, the next four years under an anti-trans government will be a renewed challenge.
Key Themes from Transgender Day of Remembrance
The event in Columbus was a blend of grief and resilience. Here are some key themes from the Day of Remembrance:
- Solidarity and Support: Older generations reminded younger trans individuals that they are not alone in their fight.
- Resilience: As Tyson Crenshaw, a 55-year-old transgender Black man, puts it, “We are a resilient group.”
- Action over Apathy: Many attendees, like Crenshaw, made it clear that simply “laying low” is not an option. The transgender community must be vocal, visible, and active.
Transgender Violence: A Stark Reality
The numbers behind transgender violence are not just statistics; they are real lives, real people who have been stolen from their families, communities, and friends.
The Human Rights Campaign reported that, just in Ohio alone, three transgender individuals died due to violence. One tragic story is that of Kassim Omar, a Somali transgender woman from Columbus. She was shot by teenagers who had been harassing her because of her gender identity. She spent months struggling to breathe on her own before passing away from her injuries.
This incident highlights a disturbing reality: transgender people continue to be targeted simply for existing.
What’s Next for the Transgender Community?
As many face an uncertain future under a potential return of anti-trans policies, the need for community unity becomes even more urgent. Older transgender individuals, many of whom have witnessed hard-fought battles for civil rights, emphasise that the fight must continue with vigour.
“We’ve been made into resilient people,” Crenshaw said, and that resilience is the cornerstone of the community’s survival.
Whether it’s protesting hate, creating safer spaces for the LGBTQ+ community, or forming strong relationships with non-LGBTQ+ organisations, action will be key to navigating the next four years.
Take Action: Supporting the Transgender Community in 2024
The Transgender Day of Remembrance is not just about remembering those we’ve lost, but it’s also about taking action to protect the lives of those still here. Here are a few steps we can take to show support for the transgender community:
- Donate to LGBTQ+ organisations that are fighting for transgender rights.
- Educate yourself and others about the issues facing the transgender community.
- Join local LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and get involved in activism.
- Speak up against hate speech and discrimination when you encounter it.
- Support transgender businesses and creators to help empower their livelihoods.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the Transgender Day of Remembrance, let us carry forward the courage, strength, and resilience of those who came before us. While the road ahead may seem uncertain, the transgender community has weathered countless storms before and will continue to rise. Unity and action are the keys to overcoming the challenges of the next four years.
We must ensure that the lives lost are never forgotten, and that those still here are supported, loved, and able to thrive.
