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CMHA NS commemorates Transgender Day of Remembrance

Oct 24, 2023

November 20 is Transgender Day of Remembrance, an annual observance that honours the memory of transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. These acts of violence are due to stigma and discrimination against their identity and community.

Research has found that transgender individuals are more likely to experience chronic physical and mental health conditions. Individuals who identify as transgender experience stigma, discrimination and violence, and “everyday transphobia.” These experiences of discrimination and violence can result in exclusion from social spaces, unemployment, avoidance of health care, and poor mental health.

CMHA NS Division advocates for stronger collection of socio-demographic data, including gender- based data, to be able to better understand the experiences of discrimination and violence faced by transgender people, and the intersectionality of their identities.

On this day of remembrance, CMHA NS Division stands with others in remembering those whose lives have been lost, whose families and loved ones have been hurt, and those who advocate for a safer path ahead.

CMHA honours members of the transgender community who have shared their experiences and hopes to create new avenues to have their voices heard in the influence of greater education, service design, programming and delivery.

What is Transgender Day of Remembrance?

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) was started in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence since Rita Hester’s death, and began an important tradition that has become the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.

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