This year, on the Transgender Day of Remembrance, Apicha CHC honors the lives and mourns the losses of those whose lives were lost to anti-transgender violence.
What is Trans Awareness Week?
Transgender Awareness Week takes place every year during the week leading up to the Transgender Day of Remembrance, from November 13, 2021 to November 20, 2021. During this week, transgender and gender non-conforming (TNGC) folks and their allies speak out and take action against antitransgender violence, discrimination, and stigma that is all too present in society today.
What is the Trans Day of Remembrance?
November 20, 2021 marks the Transgender Day of Remembrance, in which people worldwide honor the lives of those who have been lost due to anti-transgender violence. The Human Rights Committee reports that 2021 has been the deadliest year for transgender folks, with at least 46 TGNC individuals recorded being killed by an act of violence. Unfortunately, the number is likely higher, since not every person's story is reported accurately, or at all. In past years, a majority of these individuals have been Black and Latinx women. You can view a full list of victims’ names and honor them on the HRC’s website.
Impact on Trans Mental Health
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that trans and gender non-conforming people comprise roughly 0.3–0.5% (25 million) of the global population.
However, due to constant discrimination, violence, systemic barriers to healthcare, and more, TGNC folks experience disproportionate levels of mental health issues. In fact, trans individuals are four times as likely as cisgender people to have a mental health condition in their lifetime.
How You Can Get Involved
1. Attend a vigil.
One way to participate in the Trans Day of Remembrance is by attending or organizing a candlelight vigil on November 20. Check with your local LGBTQ+ organizations to see where and when a candlelight vigil might be hosted. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there are also a number of virtual vigils, such as Gay Center’s “These Are Our Flowers” vigil taking place on November 18, 2021 on Youtube Live.
2. Educate yourself about the struggles of TGNC folks.One of the best ways to practice active allyship is to stay informed. Below are a few resources to keep yourself educated about the issues facing the TGNC community.
- Apicha CHC Blog - How to Support Someone Who is Transitioning
- Netflix Documentary - DISCLOSURE
- GLAAD - Tips for Allies of Transgender People
- Human Rights Committee - List of victims of anti-trans violence in 2021
- 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey Summary
Feel free to share this blog post, or any of the other resources listed in order to spread awareness about Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Apicha CHC’s Trans Health Services
At Apicha Community Health Center, we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive space for people of all genders, especially those who are transgender and gender non-conforming. We offer specialized healthcare for trans and gender-nonconforming folks.
Our Transgender Health services include:
- Personalized Primary Care
- Initiation and Maintenance of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Referrals to Gender Affirming Surgeries
- Short-Term Behavioral Health Services
- Access to PrEP
- Assistance with Social Services (name change, legal documents, etc.)
- Care Management
If you're interested in getting complete, competent medical care, click here to request an appointment at Apicha CHC today.
