Members and supporters of the transgender community united in Notts today to remember the 271 transgender people murdered across the world this year.
As part of Transgender Remembrance Day, people across the county will be able to take part in a candlelight vigil to remember those who died as victims of hate crime.
Another event this afternoon at Ashfield District Council headquarters saw the transgender flag raised by Gloria De Piero, MP for Ashfield.
She said: “The day is an important opportunity to acknowledge the suffering of those who have been abused or threatened, or tragically lost their lives as a result of transphobia.”
“Whilst trans visibility and awareness is growing, we still have a long way to go on equal rights. The last 20 years have seen unprecedented progress on formal equality for lesbian, gay and bi individuals, but in many ways trans rights are an area of the law where there is more work to be done.”
The official transgender flag was raised above Nottingham Council House this morning, with a vigil due to be held tonight.
People wishing to remember transgender people who have lost their lives will be able to attend the candlelit vigil at 6:30pm on at Barker Gate Resting Garden.
Transgender woman Vicky Thompson will be at the forefront of many people’s minds – yesterday she was found dead in a male prison after she said she would commit suicide if not sent to a jail for women.
According to LGBT+ charity PACE, 48 per cent of transgender people under the age of 26 have attempted suicide at some point in their lives.
Transgender Remembrance Day was established in 1999 to raise public awareness of hate crimes.
Natalie Bennett, Green Party Leader said: “Today is a day to remember, mourn and honour the 271 trans persons murdered in the past year. It is an absolute outrage that so many transgender people across the world have been killed this year simply for being who they are.”
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