Transgender Day of Remembrance was founded in 1999 and has evolved into an international day of action. Vigils are held around the world to remember the names of those who have died as a result of anti-transgender violence and to raise public awareness about hate crimes committed against transgender persons. It is also a day to express support for transgender people who face discrimination and harassment that is too often a part of their daily lives. The Province of Ontario unanimously passed the Trans Day of Remembrance Act, 2017 on December 12, 2017, officially recognizing TDoR and requiring the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to hold a moment of silence every year on November 20.

On November 20th a small number of Kincardine community members met in Victoria Park to honour and remember transgender victims of violence and those that ended their own lives because of their suffering from rejection. Kincardine Pride President, Fort Papalia, points out that “It is important to recognize that there are those among us who suffer significant daily anguish for no other reason than living their lives as they need to. Even in a community as welcoming and inclusive as Kincardine, transgender persons face many obstacles due to very limited, appropriate care in a rural community and a lack of understanding or acceptance by others.”

Kincardine has many businesses and organizations that are allies and supporters of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning) people, many of whom are sponsors of Kincardine Pride. Kincardine Pride and PFLAG Kincardine strive to increase public awareness and to provide some support to those struggling with gender-related issues, whether in their own families or their place of work or study.

source: media release