Transgender Day of Remembrance 2008
The Transgender Day of Remembrance is held around the 20th of November every year, to commemorate all those who have been killed as a result of anti-trans hatred.
The Day of Remembrance banner
The ceremony
Transgender Day of Remembrance 2008
Over 50 people attended this year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance held on Sunday 23rd November at Dragon Hall near Covent Garden. People of all ages came to celebrate and to mourn the lives of trans-people lost to violence and we were particularly pleased to welcome over 10 young people to the event.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, sent a letter of support which was read out at the start of the event, followed by a number of readings, poems and short speeches. We were also privileged to have music from Paula who played and sang two beautiful songs for the gathering.
New names on the ribbon
As in previous years, the core of the event was the reading of the names of trans people who had died violently in the last 12 months and the lighting of a candle for each. This year there were 26 new names, some added to the list only days before the event, extending the overall ribbon listing all those known to have died in the last 10 years to over 400. Recognising that these 26 were only the ones that we knew about, we also lit a candle for those unknown trans people who lost their lives in the last year. The candles surrounded a beautiful bouquet of flowers which had been sent to the event, complementing the amazing and vibrant Day of Remembrance backdrop banner.
Afterwards, most people stayed for tea and cake (two fabulous cakes made especially for the occasion by Janet) then around twenty of us moved on to the nearby First Out café to complete the afternoon.
The ribbon hangs around the room
A collection at the event raised £30 for Press for Change.
We are particularly grateful to Camden LGBT Forum and Camden Council whose help was much appreciated and whose support enabled us to cover the costs of the occasion.
Joe, Erasmo and Simon
Aurora used the same list of names of trans people who had been murdered from November 2007 to November 2008, and displayed them at the International Day Against Homophobia in 2009.
The invitation
Sunday, 23rd November 2008
Dragon Hall, Stukeley Street, Covent GardenAn opportunity to remember, mourn and celebrate trans lives lost to violence or suicide.
Kellie Telesford
- 1 of 26 lives
lost this yearThe Transgender day of Remembrance is an opportunity for trans people, their friends, families and allies to come together in a safe space to reflect on those trans people who have lost their lives through violence or suicide because they are trans. It is a time to remember, mourn and celebrate them and to tell their stories so they are not forgotten.
You don't have to bring or do anything, but as in previous years, we would very much like people to contribute and participate if they wish. Please bring short stories, readings or poetry – if you prefer not to read yourself, we can find someone else to read your text for you.
2:00pm for a 2:15pm startReadings, poetry and music, followed by tea and cake
Ends at 4:00pm
For trans people, their friends, families and alliesWe are looking for:
A person/group to provide a short musical section
Volunteers to help on the day
Anyone who would like to help Joe, Erasmo and Simon in organising the event
Names of trans people who have died since August 2007
If you can help with any of these, please contact us
TS candle
Access
The venue is first floor, fully accessible and has a disabled toilet. If you have any other access requirements, please let us know.
Contact Us
Please mail us at: tgremembrance@googlemail.com with any queries, suggestions or offers of help
This event is supported by Camden LGBT Forum
