Brandon Commemorates Lives Lost on Trans Day of Remembrance

A significant gathering took place in Brandon on November 20, as community members came together to observe Trans Day of Remembrance. Approximately 70 people attended a ceremony at Knox United Church, where a poignant list of around 300 names of transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals who lost their lives to violence was read aloud.

Nora Wilson, chair of Brandon Pride, expressed the emotional weight of the event, stating, “It’s hard not to see myself because to be transgender is to accept that violence is a possibility.” The reading included names from various regions, including Central and South America, the United States, the Middle East, and Europe. Among those listed, two individuals identified as transgender or non-binary were noted to be from Canada.

During the ceremony, attendees were visibly moved, some wiping away tears as they honored the lives lost. Congregation minister Craig Miller emphasized the importance of acknowledging the names of those often forgotten, declaring, “Many whose lives and deaths will only ever be known by the universe.” Current statistics reveal that over 100,000 individuals in Canada identify as transgender or non-binary, according to the 2021 census.

Reflecting on the significance of the gathering, Wilson noted, “Having this event in Brandon recognizes that trans people are everywhere.” The origins of Trans Day of Remembrance trace back to 1999, commemorating the life of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was murdered in 1998. The event has been observed in Brandon since 2008, initiated at the request of the Brandon University queer committee.

Wilson highlighted that the day serves not only to honor those who have died but also to inspire action and encourage transgender individuals to voice their truths. She remarked, “When we narrow those definitions as a society, it limits our potential and keeps us from being who we are.”

Adding to the ceremony’s impact, Janet Braun, a transgender woman, spoke about the necessity of visibility and community solidarity. She stated, “The No. 1 thing we need to do as a community is come together and show everybody out there our light is brighter than the darkness in the world.” Braun encouraged attendees to combat anti-2SLGBTQ+ rhetoric with love rather than resorting to violence.

The event’s atmosphere was further charged by ongoing political developments. Recently, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith employed the notwithstanding clause on three controversial bills affecting transgender rights. These include prohibitions on gender-affirming care for youth under 16 and requirements for school staff to inform parents if a child under 16 changes their name or pronouns. Additionally, the legislation restricts participation in women’s sports for individuals not assigned female at birth.

Wilson condemned the use of the notwithstanding clause, stating it “lacks humanity” and could severely impact both transgender youth and adults. She expressed a vision for a world where everyone can express their true selves, emphasizing, “Transgender people are members of the community. We’re not your enemy.”

The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence, followed by an opportunity for participants to light memorial candles, further uniting the 2SLGBTQ+ community and their allies in remembrance. The evening also featured a candlelight vigil at Knox United Church, reinforcing the collective commitment to honor and advocate for the rights of transgender individuals.

This observance in Brandon serves as a profound reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and the importance of acknowledging the lives that have been lost to violence. As community members continue to advocate for change, their shared resolve highlights the enduring need for compassion, understanding, and respect within society.