Transgender day remembrance vigils new-york city
In New York City, Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed on November 20th annually, in memory of transgender individuals lost to violence. Initiated in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith to honor Rita Hester, a transgender woman murdered in 1998, this day has become a crucial event for commemorating transgender and non-binary lives lost, particularly in the context of rising violence and anti-transgender legislation. The day is marked with various events, including photo displays, candlelight vigils, and speeches, across different venues in the city. Notable events include an afternoon gathering at Queens College, a vigil at the LGBT Community Center, a collaborative event with the Office of Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Exponents, a unique program by the Pride Center of Staten Island, and an event by NYCYouth4Trans Rights at Washington Square Park. There’s also an online vigil hosted by The Marsha P. Johnson Institute. These gatherings serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for transgender rights and the importance of remembering those who have been lost to violence. Read full article