By: Makenzie Josephine Morales (they/she), Women*s Student Services Graduate Assistant
Trigger warning: Thought of the Day contains reports of violence against transgender people, mentions of murder, mentions of mass shootings
National Transgender Day of Rememberance (TDoR) is observed annually on November 20th to honor the lives and the memory of transgender people who have been murdered by an act of anti-transgender violence. National Transgender Day of Rememberance began as a vigil in 1999 to honor the life of Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman who was murdered on November 28th, 1998 (Queer Events, 2018). Rita Hester’s murder inspired the “Remembering Our Dead” web project, where candles are lit beside digital obituaries for murdered transgender people. The next year, the first Transgender Day of Rememberance vigil was held in San Francisco in 1999 (Walters, 2019). Rita Hester’s murder was one of three murders of Black transgender women that had occurred in the last few years. Chanelle Picket was 23 years old at the time of her murder in 1995. Chanelle Picket’s murderer, William C. Palmer, served a maximum sentence of 2.5 years in prison (GenderTalk Archives, 1997). Monique Thomas was murdered in Dorchester on September 11, 1998. Monique’s body was not found for over a week after she was murdered (Remembering our dead, 1998). Then, two months later, Rita Hester was murdered. Rita’s murder was never solved. No justice. No peace.
The violence against the transgender community, specifically transgender women of color, is a national emergency and an epidemic. The targeted violence and anti-trans rhetoric in the United States (and abroad) is horrifying. Transgender and queer folks deserve places of safety. Queer and trans folks have fought their entire lives to simply exist. We do not see ourselves reflected in the laws and policies of the nation. We do not have politicians fighting for our livelihood. Queer and trans folks have always created their own homes, their own families, and their own sense of belonging and safety among one another. As we remember the many who were taken far too soon, it’s imperative to remember these victims were parents, siblings, friends, community members, and family members. Transgender Day of Rememberance serves to bring the transgender community together to mourn and to honor the lives cut too short.
Days ago, on the eve of Transgender Day of Rememberance, there was a mass shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub, Club Q, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Five individuals were shot and killed. Five individuals never returned home. Queer clubs often serve as safe havens for the LGBTQ+ community. They serve as a place of celebration and community. They serve as family reunions.
In the aftermath of the mass shooting at Club Q, five individuals were killed, 19 individuals were injured, and many others were traumatized. The names of the five individuals who were murdered are listed below.
Daniel Davis Aston, 28 years old
Kelly Loving, 40 years old
Raymond Green Vance, 22 years old
Derrick Rump, 38 years old
Ashley Green Paugh, 35 years old
On behalf of Women*s Student Services, we stand with the victims of the Colorado Springs mass shooting. We honor their lives. May they rest in power. Colorado Gives is the official donation site for the survivors of the Club Q shooting and the victims’ families.
Donate here: coloradogives.org/donate/COHealingFund
In 2022, we have already lost at least 32 transgender people who were killed by violence and hate (Human Rights Campaign, 2022). Often, these murders and other acts of violence go unreported or are misreported. Fatal violence disproportionately affects transgender women of color, specifically Black transgender women. For all those within the LGBTQ+ community or who consider themselves allies of the community, we have a responsibility to honor the lives of those who are victims of hate. Within our education system, we are not taught LGBTQ+ history. We must continue to remember and amplify the legacy of the many trailblazers before us.
Members of the LGBTQ community, we must come together for our transgender friends and family. We must radically love one another. ave uncomfortable conversations with your straight, cisgender friends and family if you are in a position where it is safe to do so. Today, and every day, we continue to love radically and unconditionally. With heavy hearts, we must stand together. We must hold those in power accountable.
Students of MSU have access to CAPS and can find mental health support by calling (517) 355-8270. If you are in need of support or need assistance getting in contact with mental health providers or community resources, Women*s Student Services is open today, Wednesday, November 23rd until 5pm and is here to help. Women*s Student Services will reopen and resume regular hours of 9am-5pm Mondays through Fridays beginning on Monday, November 28th. If you are in need of more immediate support, please contact CAPS.
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