Trans Day of Remembrance: November 20
Content warning: graphic content
November 20th is not just another day in the year. It’s a day to take the time to remember people in the transgender community who are no longer here. A day to mourn the lives that were lost, and to acknowledge trans friends and family members who went with voices loud and proud. November 20th isn’t just another day; it is Trans Day of Remembrance.
Canada has been no stranger to violence or hate of trans people. In fact, transgender people aged 15 and up are more likely to experience violence, discrimination, and inappropriate behaviors than their cisgender counterparts. Additionally, more than 80% of people who identify as transgender reported negative mental health, compared to 11% of cisgender individuals. The unfortunate reality is that transgender individuals are more likely to face repression and opposition wherever they go.
Canada is home to many people who identify as transgender, and through the struggles they have faced, they and those who followed in the cause were able to promote a positive space and set the path for the future. The Gender and Sexual Identities Working Group would like to highlight the following trans activists. Though they are no longer with us, their work will certainly never be forgotten.
Kyle Scanlon (September 5, 1971 – July 3, 2012)
An activist who was always working towards a better world for his community, Kyle Scanlon had many accomplishments in his life He was the first trans man to be the director of the organization YouthLine, a founding member of TransPulse and Trans Access, as well as a writer for publications like Xtra and Fab magazines. He was a leader and was known for his generous and kind nature. His impact on the community will not be forgotten.
Jaime Lee Hamilton (September 20, 1955 – December 23, 2019)
An Indigenous woman who was known for her work in the advocacy of sex workers, the transgender community, and missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. Jaime Lee Hamilton was Canada’s first youth to be treated for gender identity disorder and began her transition in 1969. She had a long career of activism but some of her standout moments were assisting in a study of transgender community members with HIV, bringing attention to a serial murderer who was targeting sex workers and Indigenous women, and serving as a director on the Vancouver Pride Society. She was a passionate and fierce woman, and an icon in the history of Canadian transgender people.
Julie Berman (1968 – December 22, 2019)
Julie Berman was a prominent activist that fought for awareness of trans violence. She was one of the people involved in running Toronto’s Trans Day of Remembrance and was also a speaker at the event. Her voice was committed to making a better world for trans community members and advocating for their individual rights. Her work with 519 (a non-profit community hub for LGBTQ2S+ members) spanned three decades. She is remembered as a beautiful person inside and out, a champion for her community, and a lovely person.
With these Canadians in our minds and hearts, remember that a brighter future exists for all transgender community members. All it takes is the belief in a better world, and making your voice heard.
If you or anyone you know is in crisis, contact one of these supports for transgender-specific guidance:
Resources:
- Gender and Sexual Diversity Guide
- Gender Diversity and Inclusion Statistics Hub (Statistics Canada)
- Honoring Trans Awareness Week and Transgender Day of Awareness (Human Rights Campaign)
If you have any questions or comments, please email us at diversity@rrc.ca.