Transgender people follow the call to freedom and liberty, expressing their true identity outside of the structures, rules and allocations of society, and because of their brave steps to becoming wholly themselves they challenge stigma, discrimination and social exclusion. Unfortunately for many their dreams, projects and ideals are cut short and inhibited by transphobia and that is why we mark Transgender Memorial Day.
Every year around the world services and acts of remembrance take place to highlight the problem of transphobia and the impact this has on the lives of transgender people and their friends, families and wider community.
Transgender people daily experience intolerance and prejudice targeted at their gender identity. They live with ignorance, insensitivity and thoughtlessness directed from the people and communities around them.
We remember those who have been murdered and we think of those who have died by suicide. It is estimated that 50% of transgender people will have at least one suicide attempt before their 20th birthday. Self harm and mutilation levels are also high.
We also think of those who live among us in isolation, daily dreading the transphobic abuse, insults and assaults from family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and strangers. For many they have nowhere to turn and no-one to talk to. They often live what they describe as a ‘lie’ as they battle to overcome themselves and put on what performance society tells them they should. Through small support groups and steps taken in recent years and months the transgender individuals, groups and families have come forward to offer support and raise awareness about what it means to be transgender and challenging agencies and services about the exclusion faced by transgender people.
On Thursday 18th November as part of Outburst Queer Arts Festival, we are holding a short drinks reception in the Queens Film Theatre at 8pm for members of the transgender community, their partners, family and friends to come and celebrate transgender and remember those who began the journey but sadly are no longer with us. This will be followed by a movie called My Friend From Faro, a sweet movie about mistaken gender identity. We have complimentary tickets for members of the transgender groups and their friends. Contact Harriet on 90319030 if you want to get some reserved for you.
This event is supported by Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister, PSNI, Unite Against Hate, Equality Commission, Queens Film Theatre, Youthnet, Institute of Conflict Research, Outburst Queer Arts Festival and the LGB & Transgender Advocacy Scheme.
Laura: Jesus said to love everyone like he loves you, feed them, cloth them and shelter them and let him do the judging. It did not say that people who are gay are the exception to this rule....
RECEPTION TO MARK TRANSGENDER MEMORIAL DAY | 18 NOVEMBER | QFT
Every year around the world services and acts of remembrance take place to highlight the problem of transphobia and the impact this has on the lives of transgender people and their friends, families and wider community.
Transgender people daily experience intolerance and prejudice targeted at their gender identity. They live with ignorance, insensitivity and thoughtlessness directed from the people and communities around them.
We remember those who have been murdered and we think of those who have died by suicide. It is estimated that 50% of transgender people will have at least one suicide attempt before their 20th birthday. Self harm and mutilation levels are also high.
We also think of those who live among us in isolation, daily dreading the transphobic abuse, insults and assaults from family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and strangers. For many they have nowhere to turn and no-one to talk to. They often live what they describe as a ‘lie’ as they battle to overcome themselves and put on what performance society tells them they should. Through small support groups and steps taken in recent years and months the transgender individuals, groups and families have come forward to offer support and raise awareness about what it means to be transgender and challenging agencies and services about the exclusion faced by transgender people.
On Thursday 18th November as part of Outburst Queer Arts Festival, we are holding a short drinks reception in the Queens Film Theatre at 8pm for members of the transgender community, their partners, family and friends to come and celebrate transgender and remember those who began the journey but sadly are no longer with us. This will be followed by a movie called My Friend From Faro, a sweet movie about mistaken gender identity. We have complimentary tickets for members of the transgender groups and their friends. Contact Harriet on 90319030 if you want to get some reserved for you.
This event is supported by Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister, PSNI, Unite Against Hate, Equality Commission, Queens Film Theatre, Youthnet, Institute of Conflict Research, Outburst Queer Arts Festival and the LGB & Transgender Advocacy Scheme.