Community supporters, along with Joan Beecroft, left, of PFLAG Owen Sound and Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy, gathered at city hall's Community Flag Pole Friday as the Trans flag was raised in observation of Transgender Day of  Remembrance.

The Trans flag is flying in Owen Sound to honour victims of transphobic violence.

Nearly 30 supporters watched Crystal Gallagher raise the flag at city hall's community pole Friday in commemoration of those lost and ackowledgement of the dangers faced by our transgender sisters and brothers.

Organized by PFLAG Owen sound, the ceremony's tragic origins were reflected in the weather.

"As the snow pours down, I’m extra glad to see so many people here. It was suggested to me that we hold a sort of proxy event in August in order to avoid this weather," said chapter lead Joan Beecroft.

"On the surface, it seemed like a good idea, but really, we can do this for a brief moment when we consider the lives that many people have to live."

The Hub thinks words are important, here's what was shared at the ceremony:

Crystal Gallagher's sunny smile warmed community supporters

Crystal Gallagher:

Hi everyone. My name is Crystal. I am transgender. I came out of the closet five years ago. I have lived openly as my true self ever since.

I participate and volunteer in our local communities. From our local community I have experienced acceptance, inclusion and warmth. Our Pride parades and local activites are wonderful. I see our community as an example of progress. This is why I love my country, Canada is an example to the world.

As a country we have made our mistakes. We try to own those mistakes, learn from them and move forward as a better society.

Today we remember the transgender people who have experienced or fallen to violence and persecution.

I think we have to remember all people who have experienced prejudice, bigotry or oppression due to their sex, race, beliefs, social status, orientation or gender. Our world should have no place for exclusion, inequity or hate.

Looking ahead we need to think of our young people and future generations. We must not pass on our past prejudices. Instead we need to set an example for them of compassion, kindness and love.

By remembering, hopefully we keep building a better world.

Thank you!

 
Joan Beecroft:

Welcome, everyone. Thank you for coming on this chilly morning.

Trans Day of Remembrance is marked every year on November 20. This annual observance is an opportunity to honour the memory of two-spirit, non-binary, and trans people who have lost their lives due to transphobic and anti-transgender violence.

It began in 1999, when Gwen Smith held a vigil in Massachusetts to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed the year before. She said 'Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence. With so many seeking to erase transgender people – sometimes in the most brutal ways possible – it is vitally important that those we lose are remembered, and that we continue to fight for justice.'

Lest you think that’s hyperbole, here are current statistics, as far as we know them: We continue to witness many losses within our communities globally. Between October 1, 2021, and September 30, 2022, there have been 389 reports of deaths within trans communities across the world. These say nothing of the many cases that go unreported or misreported. Across the border in the United States, the murders of trans people has nearly doubled over the past four years. This information is from the 519 Centre in Toronto.

And if you think it can’t happen here in Grey Bruce, I would remind you about the recent urban myth that surfaced in at least two of our public schools, that the school is providing litter boxes for those who identify as cats. That is clearly aimed at those who do not identify as part of the norm, and just as clearly untrue.

Mayor Ian Boddy (speaking notes)

November 20 is the Trans Day of Remembrance, a day that marks the trans, non-binary, and two-spirit people who have died in anti-trans violence.

Despite ongoing challenges and discrimination, Two-Spirit, trans and non-binary people continue to be at the forefront of the the social justice movements.

Trans, two-spirit and non-binary people are our co-workers, friends, family members and neighbors. Having a sense of belonging is critical to our personal and collective success. It is important that our community is a place where diversity is embraced and each one of us is valued and included.

At the City of Owen Sound, we recognize that diversity, inclusion, equity and justice are a journey – a continuum rather than a final destination. We encourage all to learn about allyship to end discrimination and violence against Two-Spirit, trans and non-binary people.

.............

About PFLAG:

PFLAG Canada sees, celebrates and stands with our trans, two-spirit, non-binary and genderfluid friends and loved ones today, this week and always. Today we will raise the trans flag in memory of those who have suffered as a result of transphobic violence

PFLAG Canada offers peer-to-peer support and information with local resources, and is for anyone with questions around sexual orientation and gender identity. The Owen Sound group meets on the third Tuesday each month at 7:00 p.m., currently on Zoom.

Contact info: [email protected] or Facebook

Toll free phone: 1-888-530-6777 ext 570

– by Hub Staff
David Galway