Nov. 20 event will honour those lost to anti-trans violence

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on November 14, 2024.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

The Prairie Pride Guild of Medicine Hat & District is inviting the public on Nov. 20 to honour the lives of those lost to anti-transgender violence.

Trans Day of Remembrance is an annual observance, in which the community takes the time to hold space for the memory of trans people whose lives have been lost. This year, the guild remembers Brandon Teena, a 21-year-old trans man whose death and story led to increased lobbying for hate crime laws.

“Born on Dec. 12, 1972, Brandon’s family says he was always a tomboy and he started living as male in his adolescence,” said the Pride Guild. “Devastatingly, he lost his life at the hand of two former friends after they found out he was born female. His heartbreaking journey was later shared with the world through the films, ‘The Brandon Teena Story’ and ‘Boys Don’t Cry.'”

The observance will be held at the Medicine Hat Public Library Theatre from 6-7:30 p.m.

“As we celebrate Brandon’s life, we also recognize the significance of Trans Day of Remembrance, this annual observance is a poignant reminder of the countless transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals who have suffered and lost their lives due to anti-trans violence,” said the Prairie Pride Guild.

The guild hopes to see residents attend and come together to mourn those who have been lost, support the living, and work toward a future where all can live openly and safely as their true selves.

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