From a press release:
Transgender, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer groups Just Us for All, Tranzmission, and Campaign For Southern Equality have organized a day of events to focus the community on the needs of transgender people as and most importantly the persistent murders and mistreatment of transgender people.
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) is a day that memorializes those who have been killed as a result of transphobia, or the hatred or fear of transgender and gender non-conforming people, and acts to bring attention to the unrelenting violence endured by the transgender umbrella community. TDoR was founded in 1998 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith, a transgender graphic designer and activist, to memorialize the murder of Rita Hester in Alliston, Massachusetts. Since its start, TDoR has been held annually on November 20th, and has slowly evolved into an international day of action. In 2010, TDoR was witnessed in over one hundred eighty five cities throughout approximately twenty countries.
The social justice and grass roots activist groups asks all that want to be involved to come together, and they encourage all of Asheville to pay their respects and take a stand against transgender specific discrimination. A silent candle-lit vigil will commence at the Vance Monument (N.Pack Square), where members of the community will read the names and stories of those that have passed away and some stories of those who are still alive and fighting.
The first portion of the event will start at the Thomas Wolfe Civic Center Auditorium (87 Haywood Street) at 7:00 pm and the event will last until 8pm at The Vance Monument.
The groups ask that people show up at the Civic Center a little early and be prepared for potential cold or inclement weather. A reminder, as well, that the march is a silent candle-lit vigil. People are welcome to bring signs that remember those who we’ve lost.
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