20th of November is Transgender Day of Remebrance(TDoR), an annual commemoration day to honor those who have lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence the past 12 months.
This year, the Trans Murder Monitoring (TMM) reported 350 trans and gender-diverse people murdered worldwide between 1 October 2019 and 30 September 2020.
These numbers show a 6% increase in reported murders from the 2019 update. This adds up to a total of 3664 reported cases in 75 countries and territories worldwide between 1 January 2008 and 30 September 2020. Note that these figures are not complete. Lack of systematical data collection, as well as the constant misgendering by families, authorities, and media, renders an accurate estimation impossible. Likely there is a substantial number of unreported cases(TMM, 2020).
These numbers represent the lives of people, 350 people that our societies were not willing or able to protect! Among these 350 people, data shows that there is a majority of black and migrant trans women of colour. Sex workers are also frequently more frequently targeted.
Dear, beautiful trans and gender-diverse people that had your lives taken away too soon: we commemorate you, we care about you, and we shall continue the fight
In Skeiv Verden we know that also here in Norway trans people of colour, migrants and sex workers are underrepresented and less heard in our communities.
We urge you all on this day, while commemorating those who are lost, also remember to hear, see and fight with and for those who are still alive. Be an outspoken ally, contribute to amplifying trans voices and remember that legislation and access to rights – like proper health care- is one of the important ways in which our societies can help trans people stay safe and less vulnerable to violence.
On a finishing note we suggest that you put your money where your mouth is (that is if you actually have money to spare:)
The Norwegian Patient Organization for Gender Incongruence (PKI). A patient organization for people with gender incongruence and their loved ones in Norway. PKI’s purpose is to work for comprehensive, responsible and accessible healthcare for everyone who experiences gender incongruence by becoming a member you can support their ongoing fight for decent health care for trans people in Norway.
Foreningen Fri are among other things working to ensure that trans people that were subject to previous forced sterilization policy of Norway receive reparations from the state. Become a member to support their efforts!
Skeiv Verden supports trans people with migrant backgrounds, like refugees, in Norway. We provide counseling, support groups and psychoeducation among other things. You can contribute by becoming a member, or by donating money that goes directly to trans and queer people in dire situations. Check the “engasjer deg“ button above for infromation.
