Today is International Transgender Day of Remembrance. This day was created to memorialize those that have been killed due to anti-transgender hatred and violence. It began in San Francisco in 1999 as a candlelight vigil in honor of Rita Hester who was killed on November 28, 1998. Events are now held all over the world in honor of those who are too often forgotten.

At least thirty people this year have been killed due to their gender identity. Of those thirty deaths, the majority identified as women and four have been in the last twenty days. However, few media outlets have reported on these deaths.

Take the time to think about the people whose lives have been lost. There are many vigils going on across the country this evening. I encourage you to attend one if you can.

The Office of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Concerns also has a great resource called Between and Beyond: Common Questions About Transgender Identity. Take the time to look at it and discuss transgender advocacy with your friends and family.

If you would like to become more involved with transgender advocacy check out the following organizations:

The National Gay and Lesbian Taskforce http://thetaskforce.org/
National Center for Transgender Equality http://www.nctequality.org/default.asp