Executive Council
November 20, 2014
Supporting Safety and Equality for All
Provincial Government Recognizes Transgender Day of Remembrance
Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed annually on November 20 and honours individuals who have lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence and raises public awareness of injustices that have been perpetrated against the Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender (LGBT) community.
“Today, people around the world will acknowledge the violence which has been endured by the transgender community. On Transgender Day of Remembrance, and every day, I encourage all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to join with the Provincial Government in remembering those who have been harmed or experienced injustice due to their gender identity or expression. Let us all work together to make our communities safe, comfortable and fair for everyone.”
- The Honourable Judy Manning, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women
Transgender Day of Remembrance began when a vigil was held in honour of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil also served to commemorate all the transgender people that had been victims of violence that year, and November 20 subsequently became an annual day of remembrance.
“Just last year, this government introduced an amendment to the Human Rights Act, 2010 that prohibited discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression. Ensuring the inclusion of all members of society is a significant step towards the elimination of all forms of violence in Newfoundland and Labrador, including acts that are perpetrated against those who are transgendered.”
- Minister Manning
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to work with community partners in the ongoing Violence Prevention Initiative. This initiative indicates the Provincial Government’s commitment to achieving long-term solutions for those most at risk of violence, including members of the transgender community.
QUICK FACTS
- November 20 is observed annually as Transgender Day of Remembrance. It honours individuals who have lost their lives to anti-transgender violence and raises public awareness of this important issue.
- Transgender Day of Remembrance began when a vigil was held in honour of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998.
- The Provincial Government’s Violence Prevention Initiative demonstrates its commitment to achieving long-term solutions for those most at risk of violence, including members of the transgender community.
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Media contact:
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Luke Joyce Director of Communications Department of Justice and Public Safety 709-729-6985, 725-4165 lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca |
2014 11 20 9:45 a.m.