Brandon marks Trans Day of Remembrance

A transgender woman in Brandon says it was hard not to get emotional as a list of about 300 transgender, non-binary or gender-diverse people who have died as a result of violence was read aloud on Thursday.

Nora Wilson, chair of Brandon Pride, was one of 70 people who gathered at Knox United Church at noon to honour the lives lost, marking Transgender Day of Remembrance, which is observed annually on Nov. 20.

“It’s hard not to see myself because to be transgender is to accept that violence is a possibility, that my life could end in violence,” Wilson told the Sun.

“But I take these losses of life as an important reminder of how much I have to keep working and fighting for our rights everywhere, especially here in our community.”

During the ceremony, some of the speakers wiped tears from their face as they read the names — some of whom are unknown — from countries across Central and South America, Mexico, the U.S., the Middle East and Europe. Two people who reported being transgender or non-binary were listed as being from Canada.

Congregation minister Craig Miller told those in attendance that it’s important to bear witness to the unreported, forgotten or unknown names of “many whose lives and deaths will only ever be known by the universe.”

There are more than 100,000 people who have reported being transgender or non-binary in Canada, according to a 2021 population census.

“I think the significance of having this event in Brandon recognizes that trans people are everywhere,” Wilson said.

Trans Day of Remembrance dates back to 1999 when a vigil was held in memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998, according to Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, a non-profit organization founded in the 1980s.

The church, in partnership with other organizations in the community, began acknowledging the day of remembrance in 2008 at the request of the Brandon University queer committee.

Wilson said the day is not only about honouring the legacy of those who have died, but it’s about taking action and allowing trans folks to speak their truth in ways that help move society forward.

“We are all affected by the gender binary, we are all negatively impacted by the roles and expectations of the gender binary. When we narrow those definitions as a society, as so many people try to do, it limits our potential, and it keeps us from being who we are,” she said.

Janet Braun, a transgender woman who gave a speech at the ceremony, emphasized the importance of transgender visibility, showing up unashamed and continuing to spread love.

“The No. 1 thing we need to do as a community is come together and show everybody out there our light is brighter than the darkness in the world,” she said.

In response to people who spew anti-2SLGBTQ+ rhetoric, Braun reiterated the need to “fight it with love” rather than stoop to any amount of violence.

On Tuesday, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith used the notwithstanding clause on three bills that affect transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse people.

Bill 26, the Health Statutes Amendment Act,prohibits youth under 16 from accessing gender-affirming care such as puberty blockers and hormone treatments, and prohibits gender reassignment surgery for youth under 18.

Bill 27, the Education Amendment Act, requires school staff to inform parents or legal guardians if their child under 16 changes their name or pronouns.

The third bill, the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, prevents people who weren’t assigned female at birth from participating in women’s and girls’ sports.

The notwithstanding clause should never be used to strip people of their rights and freedoms outlined in the charter, Wilson said, adding this action “lacks humanity” and will negatively impact trans youth and adults.

Wilson said she dreams of a world where everybody can show up with authenticity in a way that brings them peace and joy because everyone deserves to feel respected, loved and a sense of belonging.

“Transgender people are members of the community,” she said. “We’re not your enemy.”

The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence followed by the opportunity to light a memorial candle in the church. Members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and allies also attended a candlelight vigil Thursday evening at the church.

» tadamski@brandonsun.com