Honoring Transgender Day of Remembrance in 2020

On November 20, Apicha CHC and folks across the country recognize and commemorate Transgender Day of Remembrance—a day to pay tribute to the transgender folks who have been killed as a result of transphobic violence. TDOR is a somber day. And in 2020, we have seen the highest number of deaths of trans people ever. This comes on the heels of the Black Lives Matter movement and a global pandemic. During these tense and unprecedented times, transphobia is at an all-time high. 

This year, at least 34 transgender and gender nonconforming people were killed by violent means—many of whom are Black and Latinx trans women. Moreover, this “official” number does not include the unreported deaths of transgender people across the nation, so we don't know the true number. This continuous violence against transgender people is alarming and one that is not discussed enough in mainstream society.

While the increase in violence against the transgender community is incredibly disheartening, TDOR can also be a day of empowerment. Along with remembering those who were killed, TDOR is a reminder of the communities resilience and need to continue the fight for trans rights.

The Beginning of TDOR: From 1998 to 2019

On November 28, 1998, Rita Hester, a black trans women, was murdered. Hester was vibrant, fierce, and a pillar of strength in the Boston LGBTQ+ community. 

Hester’s death moved Gwendolyn Ann Smith, a trans woman and long-time activist, to start a web project "Remembering Our Dead," and what followed was a San Francisco Candlelight Vigil in 1999. Since then, Transgender Day of Remembrance has become an annual opportunity to say the names of those who were murdered in the name of transphobic violence, honor their lives, and continue the fight against these atrocities. 

Over the years, we've seen an increase in annual deaths of trans people. In 2015, 21 transgender people, mostly trans women of color, were murdered at the hands of extreme violence and hate. In 2016,  the number rose to 23. In 2017, that number rose again to 29. The following years are no different—and it cannot be ignored.  

So many lives have been lost at the hands of violence and hate. This violence and hatred is encouraged every day by transphobic rhetoric and denying people their rights to live as their most authentic self.

How are safe environments like Apicha CHC crucial for the Transgender & Gender Non-Conforming Community?

Since 2011, Apicha CHC has been serving transgender and gender nonconforming patients who come mainly seeking comprehensive primary care and support. The Trans Health Clinic has evolved over the years to not only provide the TGNC community much-needed medical services, but also a welcoming environment where people can be themselves without fear of violence, shame, and discrimination. This fact has made our clinic a safe space, where folks can take care of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

We as a staff are caring and embrace everyone’s gender identity and expression. We will always support our TGNC patients and clients. Apicha CHC honors and mourns those that have been taken too soon at the hands of transphobic violence. And we will continue to create safe spaces, fight stigma, and protect the TGNC community.

What Apicha CHC Can Do for You

Apicha CHC’s Transgender Health Clinic does everything it can to overcome these barriers. We are committed to providing whole person Primary Medical Care to address the distinct needs of transgender and gender nonconforming, gender variant and genderqueer individuals.

Our Transgender Health services include:

• Personalized Primary Care
• Routine Check-Up and Immunizations
• Initiation and Maintenance of Hormone Therapy
• Short-Term Mental Health Services
• Care Management
• Transgender Groups

If you're interested in getting complete, competent medical care, click here to request an appointment at Apicha CHC today.