Tonight: Transgender Day of Remembrance

I really don't understand how members of the gay and lesbian community consider their own issues and causes to be separate from those of the transgender community. We are both persecuted and disenfranchised because we do not fit in with our society's pervasive view of gender roles. That's it. Remember when you were growing up unhappy because you knew you were attracted to members of the same sex, and how much better you felt when you could come out and express that? Imagine growing up knowing that you weren't the right gender, that you didn't fit the proper role of boy or girl, and the relief that must come with being able to live as you choose.

Unfortunately, the trans community is years behind the gay community in actually being able to live as they choose. The story of Gwen Araujo is just one of countless horrifying acts committed against transgendered individuals. Today is the 9th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, held to remember victims of anti-transgender violence. HRC cancelled its own ceremony due to complaints about their role in passing a non-trans-inclusive ENDA and is instead urging the community to attend Whitman-Walkers candlelight vigil tonight at 6 p.m.

A full press release can be found at Pam's House Blend.