Trans Day Of Remembrance 2015: The Boston Observance

Hey Y'all, 

Yesterday was Boston's observance of TDOR. 

I didn't take as many pictures because I really wanted to be in the moment and to really mourn our fallen siblings, and reflect on the future action I will take to make the future a brighter and better place for us all. I also didn't take many pictures as a safety precaution. This part of the community is high at risk for being murdered, specifically Black Trans women. I didn't want to put people at risk here. 

But anyway, for those of y'all who couldn't make it, for whatever reason, 

Here are some photos of the evening:

This is St.Paul's church in Downtown, where the event was held. The inside was very beautiful, and everyone was warm and welcoming. 

Before the ceremony started: (From left to right)

Cameron, Eri, Sami, Julyn, Jasper, Me :D

Here's my candle, representing one of the folks whose life was lost. Their name was on the cup holding the candle. 

In addition to this candle, I had to read two more names. The person passing out the other names still had a pile when they reached the end of the circle. Some cards didn't have names. 

There were more names this year than ever before. 

After the potluck, we went to Primark just to hang out and be in good company and be glad we're alive.

 Alive to fight the systems that want us to die. 

We won't die. 

From left to right (front row): Olly, Julyn, Cameron, Me

Left to right (back row): Taqari, Tayleece, Eri

My mission is to decrease the number of names said by next year. The number of people whose lives were taken. 

What's your mission?

Names + Pronouns

Here are everyone's Pronouns (words to use to refer to someone when you aren't using their name)

Remember to ask, and not assume people's pronouns:

Cameron- They/them/theirs, Ne/nem/nirs

Eri-  They/them/theirs, She/her/hers, He/him/his

Sami- She/her/hers

 Julyn- She/her/hers

Jasper/Jazz- They/them/theirs

Me (Kyle)- He/him/his, They/them/theirs, Xe/xem/xyrs, Feel free to mix it up

Olly- They/them/theirs

Taqari- He/him/his

Tayleece- She/her/hers

Transgender Day Of Remembrance 2015

Hi Everyone, 

Yesterday was Transgender Day Of Remembrance. 

Transgender Day Of Remembrance is, as quoted from the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition Website:

"The annual Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) memorializes individuals who have died throughout the world in the previous year because of anti-transgender hatred. Each November, the worldwide transgender community turns its attention to family, friends and loved ones lost to violence and prejudice. A tradition inspired by the Allston, MA vigil for slain transsexual Rita Hester in 1998, this day has become the worldwide rallying point for a community long under siege."

It's a sad day, but it's important that we take time to remember the fallen members of our community and realize that we have much to do when it comes to making this a safer world for everyone, especially Black Trans Women who have been the majority of the victims slain in the US this year. 

So tomorrow is the day Boston is observing TDOR, here is the info:

Here is some art that folks made about what they call, Trans Day Of Resilience, across the nation:

"Trans and gender non-conforming people of color face disproportionate rates of violence and poverty. But we are also thriving and leading movements for social justice. The Trans Day of Resilience Art Project tells our stories of trans power, vision, and leadership."

For the rest of the art, the link is here: 

http://tdor.co/?utm_source=SMGuide&utm_medium=Instagram&utm_content=SFPartner&utm_campaign=BLM?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=

At MAP for Health, we wanted to take action in some way, and offer support to our Trans siblings. 

We decided to write letters of love and created a video where we read our letters. Here is a link to the Facebook page where the video is:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=918551361554576&substory_index=0&id=505139342895782

It would be great for y'all to join us tomorrow at St.Paul's church to observe TDOR, 

Hope to see you there!