TDOR 2019: Remembering & Resisting

Posted on November 20, 2019

November 20th marks Trans Day of Remembrance (TDoR), a day dedicated to the memory of transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of transphobic violence. Today, we are mourning the loss of our trans and non-binary community members and reflecting on the undeniable role of colonialism, anti-Blackness, and racism in perpetrating transphobic violence against some of the most marginalized members of our community members.

Every day, our volunteers hear from trans youth who need support with embracing their identities or dealing with isolation and transphobia. With more than 63% of our service users identifying as trans, non-binary, or questioning, we know the impacts of everyday transphobia on trans youth’s ability to lead joyful lives and to thrive within our communities.

Remembrance is not enough if it’s not followed by concrete action. We must continue to build resistance against transphobia and systems of oppression that contribute to ongoing violence and hatred against trans members of our community; especially Black, Indigenous, and transfeminine and non-binary people. We must demand that our allies and community members take a stance against transphobia and transmisogyny in public spaces, at workplaces, and schools. Most importantly, we must recognize the leadership of trans and non-binary individuals within our own communities and create spaces that promote and celebrate their leadership as well.

At YouthLine, resistance looks like listening and believing trans and non-binary youth; connecting them to services that support them in their journey of growth; as well as giving them the tools that they need to build resistance in their communities. We will continue to be here for trans, non-binary and questioning youth all year round making sure they have someone in their lives that affirms and supports them. On TDoR, we ask everyone to do the same and fight for Trans people in all our spaces.

We’re here for you.

Trans Day of Remembrance (TDoR) can be a difficult time for many trans, non-binary, and two-spirit individuals. If you need someone to talk to, reach out to our peer support volunteers; They’re here to help. Our Service is open from 4:00-9:30 PM Sunday-Friday.

Call Us Toll-Free: 1.800.268.9688 / In the Toronto Area: 416.962.9688

Text Us: 647.694.4275

E-mail: askus@youthline.ca

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