CMHA commemorates Transgender Day of Remembrance

CMHA-WECB joins individuals and organizations worldwide to commemorate the Transgender Day of Remembrance, an annual observance on November 20 that honours the memory of transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. These acts of violence are due to stigma and discrimination against their identity and community.

Research has found that transgender individuals are more likely to experience chronic physical and mental health conditions. Individuals who identify as transgender experience stigma, discrimination and violence, and “everyday transphobia.” These experiences of discrimination and violence can result in exclusion from social spaces, unemployment, avoidance of health care, and poor mental health.

CMHA Ontario advocates for stronger collection of socio-demographic data, including gender- based data, to be able to better understand the experiences of discrimination and violence faced by transgender people, and the intersectionality of their identities.

On this day of remembrance, CMHA-WECB stands with others in remembering those whose lives have been lost, whose families and loved ones have been hurt, and those who advocate for a safer path ahead. CMHA honours members of the transgender community who have shared their experiences and hopes to create new avenues to have their voices heard in the influence of greater education, service design, programming and delivery.