Today is the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR). It's on November 20th every year.
Twenty years ago a transgender woman, Rita Hester, was murdered. The following year a vigil was held to honor her memory and to commemorate all transgender people whose lives are lost to violence.
While most people say they know someone who is gay, few believe they've met someone transgender. That's bad because hatred grows in voids. People fear the unknown; it's not until we meet someone different that we realize our common humanity. It's our responsibility to learn about the world and understand others, including those who are different.
Today is a good occasion for that. You can get helpful information by clicking here.
"Hatred grows in voids." This is SUCH a powerful statement and it's so true. I love that you're bringing awareness to such a key issue, especially in today's society. You're a gem, friend!
ReplyDelete-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thanks. *blush*
DeleteWhat a great page you referred us to.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have not lost anyone close to you.
This is a delicate and fragile ceremony in my experience.
xo Jazzy Jack
My primary mission is to educate and that link helps.
DeleteFear fuels so many of the negative things that humans do. Understanding is key. You have certainly opened my eyes in this regard.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
And you have opened mine wider, too.
DeleteYou have taught me so much about transgendered people, and really opened my eyes, Ally. I'm doing my best to pass on what I've learned. Hugs to you, my dear.
ReplyDeleteThanks, pal.
DeleteThank you for sharing this my friend. I still have a lot to learn about transgendered people, but I will continue to learn and support as much as I can. <3
ReplyDeleteYour compassion is admirable, Beth.
DeletePeople really do fear the unknown don't they!? I recently had a conversation with my youngest and we were talking about how great it is to say we know people from every walk of life and that we love them all equally. He said, we choose our people because they have good hearts and not for any other reason. Thank you for making us aware of this day!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice story. Thanks for sharing it, Kim.
DeleteThere is too much fear and hatred in the world. I wish we could focus on the things we have in common while learning about the things that make each of us unique.
ReplyDeleteSo do I. Thank you for the nice thought.
DeletePeople really do fear what they don't know, and it's sad. I wish more people would be tolerant and accepting of others. And I'm sure more people have met someone transgender, even if they don't realize it.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
So very true. People DO fear the unknown and that is where so much hatred comes from in the world! My husband teaches someone who is transgender and the school have really done well to cater for their change in gender and needs.
ReplyDeleteMy high school best friend is trans. I remember helping him with rides to doctor appointments/therapy. I remember the struggle he faced dating. I joined the Gay-Straight-Alliance in school. As someone who feels they generally match their assigned gender-at-birth, I had a lot to learn.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, as people do, we lost touch post-high school, but I was thrilled to find out he was married and had a son with someone who loved him for everything he was.
Ultimately, male, female, somewhere inbetween, or completely outside the box altogether - we're still all people, still human. I work with a wide variety of people in my job, and I'm grateful for the exposure to lives that are different than mine.