Remembering lives lost on the Transgender Day of Remembrance

The Humber community can show its support by participating in ceremonies and events at North and Lakeshore campuses

By Chris Clay on
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The Transgender Flag flies from a flag post. A building in the background has a sign that reads Humber.

The Humber College community is encouraged to show its support for Humber’s trans community on the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) with a series of ceremonies and events happening the week of November 20.

The LGBTQ+ Resource Centre and the 2SLGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group are marking TDoR, which is observed annually on November 20. It’s a day to commemorate the trans, Two-Spirit, non-binary and gender non-conforming people’s lives that were lost in acts of transphobia and anti-trans violence. It’s also a day to raise awareness about transphobia.

TDoR was started in 1999 by trans advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith to honour and memorialize Rita Hester, a Black trans woman who was killed.  

On November 20, a tree dedication ceremony will happen at 9 a.m. at North Campus. The 2SLGBTQ+ ERG and Humber Arboretum staff have selected a tree and will be installing a plaque in the arboretum to honour trans, Two-Spirit, non-binary and gender non-conforming people’s lives.

Remembering Trans Lives memorials happen in the North Campus E Concourse and the Lakeshore Campus 2nd Floor Welcome Centre from November 20 to November 24. These memorials will recognize the names of trans lives lost this year. Members of the Humber community are encouraged to pause for a moment of reflection and leave words of support and love to the trans community.

On November 22, an event to create memorial paper bag lanterns honouring TDoR will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the North and Lakeshore campuses’ LGBTQ+ Resource Centres. All supplies will be provided and no registration is required.

On November 23, there will be a screening of Paris is Burning from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the North and Lakeshore campuses’ LGBTQ+ Resource Centres. Chronicling the world of performance and competition at Harlem drag balls during the 1980s, the film is an exploration of race, class, gender, and sexuality.

While the events are tailored for Humber’s 2SLGBTQ+ students, aspiring allies, faculty, and staff are welcome to attend. However, everyone is reminded to be respectful of the community spaces and resources, and that this is a time of grieving for the trans, Two-Spirit, non-binary and gender non-conforming communities.

Those with questions or looking for more information can email lgbtq@humber.ca.