Community Gathers in Brandon to Honor Trans Lives on Remembrance Day

A gathering in Brandon marked the **Transgender Day of Remembrance** on November 20, 2023, as approximately 70 community members came together at **Knox United Church** to honor the nearly **300 transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals** who have lost their lives to violence. The poignant ceremony included the reading of names from various regions, including Central and South America, Mexico, the United States, the Middle East, and Europe, highlighting the global scale of violence against these communities.

Nora Wilson, chair of **Brandon Pride**, expressed deep emotion during the event. “It’s hard not to see myself because to be transgender is to accept that violence is a possibility,” she said, reflecting on the personal nature of the loss. Wilson emphasized the importance of remembering those who have died, stating, “I take these losses of life as an important reminder of how much I have to keep working and fighting for our rights.”

Community Reflection and Action

The ceremony featured speakers who wiped away tears as they read names of individuals, some of whom remain unknown. Congregation minister Craig Miller underscored the significance of acknowledging those whose stories may never be told, noting that many “lives and deaths will only ever be known by the universe.” This observance is crucial for raising awareness about the **over 100,000** people in Canada who identify as transgender or non-binary, according to the **2021 national census**.

Wilson highlighted that this event serves not only to honor the memory of those lost but also to inspire action. “We are all affected by the gender binary… When we narrow those definitions as a society, it limits our potential,” she stated. The day is rooted in history, dating back to **1999**, when the first vigil was held in memory of **Rita Hester**, a transgender woman murdered in **1998**.

The church began recognizing the Trans Day of Remembrance in **2008** at the request of the **Brandon University queer committee**, establishing a tradition of community solidarity and reflection.

Challenges and Solidarity

During the ceremony, Janet Braun, a transgender woman and speaker, emphasized the necessity for visibility and love within the community. “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,” she stated, calling for unity against anti-2SLGBTQ+ rhetoric.

Recent legislative actions in Canada have raised concerns among activists. On November 14, **Alberta Premier Danielle Smith** invoked the **notwithstanding clause** on three bills affecting transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse people. Among these, **Bill 26** prohibits youth under **16** from accessing gender-affirming care, while **Bill 27** requires school staff to inform parents if a child under **16** changes their name or pronouns. Additionally, **Bill 28** restricts participation in women’s and girls’ sports to individuals assigned female at birth.

Wilson criticized these measures, stating that using the notwithstanding clause to strip rights “lacks humanity” and poses significant risks to transgender youth and adults. She voiced her hope for a future where everyone can express their identity authentically, fostering a sense of belonging and respect.

The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence followed by the lighting of memorial candles, allowing participants to reflect on the lives lost and the ongoing struggle for rights and recognition. A candlelight vigil later took place at the church, further uniting the 2SLGBTQ+ community and allies in their commitment to honor and protect the lives of transgender individuals.