The week before the Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20, people and organizations around the country participate in Transgender Awareness Week to help raise the visibility of transgender people and address issues that members of the community face.
Transgender people and their allies bring attention to the community by educating the public about who transgender people are, sharing stories and experiences, and advancing advocacy around the issues of prejudice, discrimination, and violence that affect the transgender community.
History was made this past week when, for the first time, transgender people were specifically mentioned by a president-elect during Joe Biden’s victory speech.
The Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence that year. It was started in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence since Rita Hester's death, and began an important tradition.
Making our health centers a safe and supportive environment is valuable for all patients, and we strive to make sure the gender identity of transgender people is acknowledged, respected, and understood. This means creating an environment that affirms their gender identity, understanding and communicating the kinds of care they need, and using inclusive language that acknowledges the full spectrum of gender identities.
Although transgender people continue to face oppression and violence, they are resilient, strong, and loving. Planned Parenthood is proud to stand with them, and we are committed to making our country a place where no one experiences discrimination or violence because of their gender identity or expression.
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Tags: transgender-issues