Never Enough Memorials Department
The Transgender Day of Remembrance is only two weeks away, on November 20th. This day is set aside in memory of those who have died due to transphobia--the fear and/or hatred of others due to gender presentation. There has been a 25% increase in reports of transgender-related deaths; this may be due to improved reporting rather than an actual increase in deaths. Furthermore, the victims haven't always been transgendered--one was a partner of a transsexual, and another was simply carrying his wife's purse--and one case was more a matter of willful neglect rather than outright murder. The bottom line is, transphobia affects ALL people, regardless of gender identity, sexuality, race, nationality, or class. Therefore, I strongly recommend finding a DOR vigil near you. (There are dozens of cities in the US, and a few internationally, with vigils planned.) Stand up against senseless violence, and let the world know that transphobia is a tragedy that could affect anyone.