Transgender Day of Remembrance event in NWA

The 2017 Transgender Day of Remembrance event in Northwest Arkansas will be at St. Martin's Sunday, Nov 19 at 6 p.m. Primary parking will be at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship with a candlelight vigil walk from UUFF to St. Martin's beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual community event held to raise awareness of violence against transgender people and to mourn the loss of trans people who fell victim to violence and suicide in the United States and around the world.

"Every year we gather to light candles and speak the proper names of our lost siblings," say organizers. "Throughout each year, the stories of transgender people are often misrepresented through the use of incorrect pronouns and names. Many victims of violence and suicide go unreported as members of our community and the circumstances that often lead to such violence are effectively erased.

"We have made significant gains in terms of awareness of our issues as well as improved reporting of our stories through the media, but we still have a long way to go. Transgender Day of Remembrance is a reminder of these struggles and the importance of overcoming them by continuing to educate our allies, our detractors and those who would mean us harm."

If you choose not to walk in the vigil, you can meet at St. Martin's at 6 p.m. if you like. The address of UUFF is 901 Cleveland St, Fayetteville, AR 72701 and St Martin's is 814 W Maple St, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701.

Copyright The Gayly – November 18, 2017 @ 1:55 p.m. CST.