November 20th is the Transgender Day of Remembrance, first observed on this day in 1999 to memorialize Rita Hester and Chenelle Pickett, both transgender African American women who were murdered in Boston in the 1990s. Transgender people continue to be subjected to some of the highest rates of sexual harassment and violence in Canada and around the world. This, coupled with the continued growth of hate speech targeting members of 2SLGBTQIA++ communities and often fueled by leaders in public office for political gain, is not only disturbing, but is unacceptable and dangerous. The new anti-2SLGBTQIA++ legislature expected to be tabled by the United Conservative Party of Alberta brings home the urgency of these issues for members of our Faculty Association and the University community as a whole. On this 25th Transgender Day of Remembrance, ULFA stands with and in support of the transgender members of our Faculty Association and University community, recognizing our shared responsibility to struggle to create a safe, inclusive, and equitable campus and society for all.
Resources and Further Information Can be Found Here:
National Center for Transgender Equality
If you or someone you know if looking for help, support is available through the Trans Lifeline: (877) 330-6366
