Reflections From The Center for Transgender and Gender Expansive Health
“Our hearts go out to those individuals who came before, who persevered, who fought, and who clung to hope that the future could be brighter, more fair, more compassionate, and hold endless possibility. We are only where we are today because of the sacrifice and courage of those before us, and will always hold sacred their memory.” -Dr. Fan Liang
“On this day, the Transgender Day of Remembrance in 2023, we honor lives lost over the past year due to anti-transgender violence. This somber day is a reminder that we are at a difficult moment in history, where to be trans is to be at risk of discrimination and violence. To those who have lost their lives: we see you, we remember you, and we honor you. To their family, chosen family, and loved ones: we grieve with you. Let us share your burden. Let us stand alongside you, and together we will march forward to create a better and safer world.” -Dr. Helene Hedian
“The rate of violent victimization against transgender persons (51.5 victimizations per 1,000 persons age 16 or older) was 2.5 times the rate among cisgender persons (20.5 per 1,000). Nearly three-fourths of trans people killed in America from 2017 to 2022 were killed with a gun. To keep trans and gender-nonconforming people safe, lawmakers at every level must take action to prioritize legislation that protects communities from hate-fueled violence.” -Jen Parks
“Transgender Day of Remembrance gives us space to honor all the transgender people who lost their lives to anti-transgender acts of violence and discrimination. I am so thankful to have this space but it breaks my heart to see the number of murdered transgender people increase every year. This climbing number reminds us that we still live in a world that wants to erase us but we MUST keep fighting for our right to exist. Through the tears, frustration, and broken hearts please take a moment to honor and remember all of our transgender siblings who died by hands of hate.” -Christian Gilbert
“On this Day of Transgender Remembrance, I want to share a quote from the late, great Leslie Feinberg- to our allies, to our community members, our siblings, our elders: ‘None of us can be free while others are still in chains. That’s the truth underlying the need for solidarity. Trans liberation is inextricably linked to other movements for equality and justice.’ To the trans siblings, elders, and lovers lost: Rest in Power. The fight continues and we move ever forward.” -Romy Smith
For the Johns Hopkins Community
Join the JHM Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Health Equity, the JHM LGBTQ+ and Allies Employee Resource Group and the JHM Spiritual Care & Chaplaincy Office for a virtual Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremony on Nov 20, 2023 12:00 PM. Register to attend.