Month: November 2014

By Julia Robins

The Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual commemoration of those whose lives have been lost to anti-transgender violence. On November 20, LGBT organizations, communities, and allies gather to honor those who’ve passed and to increase the visibility of anti-transgender violence so that others will hopefully take notice.

Over the last decade, more than one person per month has died due to transgender-based hate or prejudice, regardless of any other factors in their lives.

Too often, acts of anti-transgender violence go unnoticed. While we must work daily to bring to light the pervasive transgender-based hate and prejudice around the world, TDOR is one day in particular when we can come together to commemorate those lost.

Transgender advocate, Gwendolyn Ann Smith, founded TDOR to honor the memory of Rita Hester, an African American transgender woman who was killed in her apartment on November 28^th, 1998.

In Smith’s words, “the Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence. I am no stranger to the need to fight for our rights, and the right to simply exist is first and foremost. With so many seeking to erase transgender people — sometimes in the most brutal ways possible — it is vitally important that those we lose are remembered, and that we continue to fight for justice.”

TDOR is an opportunity for communities to come together and remember the lives lost to anti-transgender violence. Last year, hundreds of people throughout the commonwealth attended candlelight vigils and services filled with community voices, memorials, and musical performances.

This year, there are a number of TDOR events happening in Virginia. Click here to find one in your community. If you know of an event that is not on our website, please send an email to [email protected], to let us know.

As we remember those lost, you can also take a stand for transgender equality by becoming an EV transgender advocate. We’ll support you as you decide when and how to add your voice to the growing movement in Virginia. From participating in coffee talks, to making a short video, to writing a blog—there are many ways to support transgender equality.

 

Make sure you get to the polls and vote tomorrow!  The 2014 elections are critical in determining the state of the U.S. Congress and creating pathways for the passage of fair minded policies and legislation.

Elections matter.  And, your vote counts.  Do you remember how close some of the elections were last year?  Some were too close to call for days, and others demanded a recount.  For example, our equality loving attorney general, Mark Herring, won by just 165 votes out of more than 2.2 million cast!   Because people who care about LGBT equality showed up at the polls in November, today we have an Attorney General who refused to defend Virginia’s unconstitutional amendment banning marriage equality and a Governor who, among other things, signed an executive order to protect LGBT state employees from discrimination in the workplace.

According to a recent poll, LGBT and allied voters were critical to 2012 electoral successes as well.  Keep it up – and vote tomorrow!  If you care about LGBT equality, one of the most important things you can do is vote for a pro-equality candidate for local, state, or federal office.  In other words, the future of LGBT equality depends on YOU!

Voting is an opportunity for you to participate in change.  Don’t let it slip by.

To find out about the candidates, or to find your polling place, see the Virginia Department of Elections website. Once you put in your personal information, click on “My Ballot” to learn more about the candidates on your ballot. The polls are open tomorrow from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. –don’t sit this election out!

Every election has consequences. Together, let’s keep Virginia, and the U.S., moving toward true and lasting LGBT equality.

Remember, Virginia law requires all voters to provide an acceptable form of photo ID.  Click here to make sure your ID meets the requirements.   If you experience a problem at the polls and would like to record it, please call 1-866-OUR-VOTE.