WEDNESDAY, NOV. 20

Transgender Day of Remembrance was created in 1999, spurred by the death of Rita Hester, a transgender woman of color living in Boston. Advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith sought to raise awareness of anti-transgender violence and organized the first vigil in San Francisco; the annual event is now held in communities around the world.

Sadly, the need for awareness is greater than ever. According to Human Rights Campaign, 26 transgender or gender non-conforming people were murdered in 2018 and, by mid-October, 22 had been killed in 2019. Like Smith, the large majority of these victims were transgender women of color.

Tonight, on the 20th anniversary of that first day of remembrance, join The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach, city officials and other local organizations at Harvey Milk Park, beginning at 6:30 p.m., and stand in solidarity with the trans community. All are welcome to honor their resilience and continue to raise awareness of the violence still committed against gender non-conforming people.

Another great thing: Delivering the keynote speech will be trans activist, actor and health educator Jazzmun Crayton, who, with her experience as an HIV testing counselor for the Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team, helped start the Midnight Stroll, aiming to provide homeless LGBTQ youth and trans sex workers in Hollywood with much needed resources.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B29gi91BwyQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Another, another great thing: Grammy-nominated trans songwriter, actress and dancer Jaila Simms is slated to perform. Oh, and refreshments and pastries will be provided! Oh, and ASL interpretation will be available!

TDoR will be held at Harvey Milk Promenade Park; 212 E. 3rd St. from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit the Facebook event here.