During Transgender Awareness Week, November 14-20, 2016, transgender people and their allies aim to increase visibility and awareness of transgender and gender non-conforming people and the challenges they face. The week culminates in Transgender Day of Remembrance, in honor of those lost to violence against transgender people. The international event is held every November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder in November of 1998 was the impetus for the first vigil, held in 1999. Rita’s murder, like most cases involving violent attacks against transgender people, has yet to be solved. See below to read our statement, hear a few of our stories and see a list of events around the state.
Los Angeles — In recognition of the 18th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur issued the following statement:
“The last year saw the killings of at least two transgender people in California, and at least 27 across the country. Outside the United States, more than 85 transgender men and women have been murdered in hate crimes or by domestic partners. In spite of the rapid progress we have made together as a community, one thing has not changed: transgender members of our community – especially transgender women of color – continue to suffer from an epidemic of violence.
Any attempt to quantify the scope of that epidemic must be qualified by an “at least” or a “more than” because those figures hide murders never reported, hate crimes that went unrecorded because of lack of attention or malice on the part of investigators, victims misgendered or transgender kids who took their own lives in the face of rejection by their families or communities.
This month, voters elected an administration that presents an unprecedented threat to LGBT civil rights, but our community was under assault long before the election of Donald Trump. More than 200 pieces of legislation attacking LGBT people – with a special emphasis on the “T” – are making their way through legislatures across the country. Now more than ever, it is important that our community continue to make a priority of addressing the violence suffered daily by our transgender brothers and sisters.
2016 also saw the launch of Transform California, led by Equality California and the Transgender Law Center, a groundbreaking initiative to educate Californians about their transgender friends, neighbors and co-workers and the challenges they face. Through Transform California, we aim to make our state a place where all transgender and gender non-conforming people can feel safe and live free from fear and discrimination.”
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Equality California staff members discuss what Transgender Week of Remembrance means to them:
James Wen, Program Associate
Jo Michael, Legislative Manager
See below for a list of events in California (please contact sponsoring organizations with questions).
Los Angeles Nov. 17, 6-10 PM – “Stop Killing Us”–Panel discussion followed by candlelight vigil. Los Angeles City College Student Union Building
West Hollywood Nov. 20, 1:30-3:00 PM – The City’s Transgender Advisory Board will host an event that includes speakers from the community, City representatives, various transgender performers, reading of the names of transgender people who have passed due to transgender hate crimes and will conclude with a march. The event is free for all. Parking is available for free in the 5 story parking garage. West Hollywood Library, Auto Court, 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard For more information, contact Bonnie Smith, Public Safety Supervisor Bsmith@weho.org or (323) 848-6371
Long Beach Nov. 20, 4:30-6:30 PM – Reading of names followed by candlelight vigil Harvey Milk Promenade Park, Long Beach, California 90802
All OC events will take place at CO4, 305 E. 4th Street, 2nd Floor, Santa Ana, CA 92701 unless otherwise noted
Nov. 17, 7-9 PM – Legal Name and Gender Change Clinic – Staff will be available to help ease the process of the Legal Name and Gender Change paperwork. Through a partnership with UCI Law School and the Lavender Bar Association, clients will be able to speak one-on-one with a lawyer regarding any questions or concerns with the process. Advance registration is required and space is limited. Please contact Dannie Ceseña at: dannie.cesena@lgbtcenteroc.org
Nov. 17, 6-9 PM – Immigration Clinic – An immigration attorney will be available for clients to speak with and receive information pertaining to immigration law. Clients can also receive assistance in filling out applications including DACA and Advance Parole. Please schedule an appointment by contacting Luis Gomez at: 714-953-5428 x. 502 or via email: luis.gomez@lgbtcenteroc.org
Nov. 18, 6:30 PM – Family Movie Night – Trans*fusion Youth will be hosting a movie night at CO4! Family movie night is open to all of the LGBTQ community and our allies. You can wear comfy PJ’s and bring a bean bag or sleeping bag to relax on. You may bring your own snacks/drinks, or purchase them from the youth groups! A family fun film will begin promptly at 7 p.m
Nov. 19, 7 PM – Latina Trans Fashion Show- Trangéneros en Acción (TEA) will host this fun event showcasing the latest fashions! Our theme is “We’re No Angels”, which celebrates the beauty of Transbodies. Transwomen, men and youth will showcase the latest fashion themes including resort wear, casual and ballroom fashions! Plus, we are delighted to announce that Rupaul’s Drag Race Season 3 alum Venus D-Lite will be performing live at the fashion show! Cost: $10 at the door
Nov. 20, 4-6 PM – March, reading of names and vigil. Sasscer Park at N. Ross and W. 4th streets in Downtown Santa Ana
San Bernardino Nov. 18, 6 PM – Program and speakers Haskell Hall, First Congregational Church of Christ, 3041 N. Sierra Way, San Bernardino
Riverside Nov. 19, 4:30 PM – Transgender Day of Remembrance observance First Congregational Church of Riverside, 3504 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
San Francisco Nov. 20, 3-5 PM – Panel discussion, film, performances and community gathering Trans: Thrive, 730 Polk St, Fl Fourth, San Francisco Berkeley Nov. 20th, 6 PM – Reading of names Pacific Center, 2712 Telegraph Ave. Berkeley
Oakland Nov. 18, 7-9:30 PM – Guest speakers and reading of names Council Chambers, Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank H Ogawa Plaza, Oakland
Sacramento Area
Sacramento Nov. 19, 2016, 6:30 PM – Transgender Day of Remembrance candlelight vigil Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 2620 Capitol Ave, Sacramento
Loomis Nov. 20, 5 PM – Transgender Day of Remembrance Mass St. Michael’s Independent Catholic Church, 6440 King Rd.
Nov. 17, 6 PM – March followed by program featuring guest speaker Andrea Jenkins. San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre St, San Diego For more information contact Connor Maddocks at cmaddocks@thecentersd.org
Nov. 20, 7 PM – Transgender Day of Remembrance Program Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Luis Obispo County, 2201 Lawton Ave., San Luis Obispo
