This article speaks to deadly violence against trans and gender-diverse people, and the disproportionate rates of suicide they face. Please read with care, and reach out if you need support. The Trans Lifeline can be reached any time by calling 1-877-330-6366.
On Monday in Duncan City Square, dozens of community members gathered for a candlelight vigil marking Transgender Day of Remembrance, hosted by Cowichan Pride Society. It was a sombre ceremony, recognizing trans people around the world who face disproportionate levels of violence, disproportionate rates of suicide and increasing threats to their safety and right to exist as themselves.
Carly Jahelka with Cowichan Pride Society opened the ceremony with a land acknowledgement. “As we gather to honor and mourn the lives of transgender and gender-queer folks, it is critical that we acknowledge the fact that acts of violence against queer bodies happen on stolen land that has also been exposed to violence.”
Transgender Day of Remembrance is marked annually on Nov. 20, and it recognizes especially the transgender people whose lives have been violently taken. In front of the speakers, a poster board displayed the names of 320 trans and gender-diverse people known to have been killed around the world last year.
“There are no words to put to such grief — no words exist to help us understand why systems and people stacked against trans lives can continue to take such sacred, beautiful and worthy beings from this earth,” Jahelka said. “To the trans community: Your existence is an act of resistance. Let me just say that again: Your existence is an act of resistance. To live your truth is to stand against colonial systems of power that for generations have tried to debase trans lives and trans rights. Trans voices must be uplifted and amplified in all areas and systems of power.”
Debra Toporowski, a councillor with the Municipality of North Cowichan, was invited to share some remarks. Violence against transgender people is unacceptable, she said. “Our communities need to do better in supporting everyone in our community.”
Toporoski continued, “I’m identified as ‘she’ and ‘her,’ and that’s something new for me to speak and identify. But we need to. We can’t hide who we are. We need to stand and support each other. So that is why I’m here today, to show my love and support in whatever way I can, so huy tseep q’a.”
Pax Elle with Cowichan Pride Society spoke next. “We are here holding space for not only the visible trans community, but the invisible trans community, those who chose to or are forced to live without life-saving medical care or gender-affirming support. We remember those trans folks who have lost their lives at the hands of themselves or others for living their truths.”
Elle acknowledged that suicide is a leading cause of death for young trans people, and that trans youth are five times more likely to attempt suicide compared to their cisgendered counterparts.
“As a parent myself, I can’t think of any greater loss than the loss of a child. And I ask our allies to remember those parents, those parents who have supported their child and still lost them. And my promise to you is the trans community has not forgotten them. We will never give up fighting for them. For us and for future generations. We will not go gently into that good night,” Elle said.
“In this time of upheaval, I can tell you as a trans person I am terrified. I can hardly open up any social media app without hundreds of microaggressions calling trans people groomers, accusing us of trying to convert children or outright calling for the death of trans individuals. These are ugly and disgusting things. It dehumanizes trans people. They are human. We are human. I am human.”
Elle led the crowd in a moment of silence, and then invited those gathered to write words of love and support on post-it notes. The notes were added to a poster alongside the names of trans people who were killed last year.
“Trans people are the bravest people I know.”
“You are seen, you are valued.”
“You are beautiful and I love you so much.”
“Trans lives are sacred.”
“I will live the life you were denied.”
