White House, John Berry Observe Trans Day of Remembrance
Today marks the 14th observance of Transgender Day of Remembrance, an international day of remembrance of the people lost to anti-transgender fear, discrimination, and violence. National Center for Transgender Equality Executive Director Mara Keisling said:
"Today, NCTE is in solemn vigil for the transgender people we've lost to senseless anti-transgender violence. Transgender Day of Remembrance is a chilling reminder that the work we all do too often comes too late for many in our community. So, today, we reflect on the people we've lost. And tomorrow, we renew our commitment to ending the discrimination and violence that keeps many more of us imprisoned with fear."
As part of Transgender Day of Remembrance, NCTE Executive Director Mara Keisling and NCTE Director of Policy Harper Jean Tobin, along with two dozen other transgender advocates, joined the White House to discuss policies that make transgender lives safer. John Berry, Director of the Office of Personnel Management, led the group in a moment of silence to honor transgender victims of violence.
"To have a senior Administration official like John leading us in commemorating transgender victims of violence is a really good thing" said Keisling. "But to have President Barack Obama's commitment to solving anti-transgender violence affirmed in today's meeting is a great thing," Keisling added. NCTE invites transgender people and their allies to honor the lives of transgender people lost to hate and violence by attending a Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil in your area. Vigils can be found here: http://www.transgenderdor.org.
