Transgender Lives Can’t Wait – We Must Fight For Them Every Day
“As a trans woman of color, I feel that Trans Day of Remembrance is every day for me. During this year’s commemoration I find myself asking what my contribution to the world should be and how I can raise the voices of trans women of color in America. When the one day the world chose to honor us ends, I don’t have the luxury to stop thinking about my ancestors who have been killed senselessly for no reason other than hate and the insecurities of others. Sadly this is my reality each day that I have been fortunate enough to survive through. Not every trans body is so lucky.
I know not everyone will do the work needed to protect us because most people are comfortable in their privilege. That’s why I think that – as much as it shouldn’t be our jobs as transfigures in society – we will have to be the ones to advocate for our extremely marginalized community.
I have screamed, walked in riots, donated, given my all to educate/spoon feed those in power. Sometimes it works, and sometimes that work ends up feeling like it was a waste of time. But I don’t believe that the work should just stop! I think any work is good work. Something is better than nothing, so for as long as I survive in America I will always use my platform to speak up and speak out about the many unfair injustices that have been happening to my sisters.
I always say if the government isn’t going to do their job and help, then we the people will have to do the work and lead by example to those in power. My advice to everyone is to do your research and take advantage of online resources to obtain information so that you can help trans bodies. Don’t use trans people for information and then not change your actions. That’s free labor and as we know we need to PAY TRANS PEOPLE FOR THEIR TIME! PERIOD.
Trans people have enough to worry about so – as Trans Day of Remembrance approaches – take a moment to educate yourself and find ways to support, donate, and push for the difference that we trans women deserve. I have the honor of working at Futures Without Violence and to be supported by such a great team. I will offer my expertise forged by my experience to help FUTURES continue to support trans lives who are facing violence just because of who they are. I’m blessed to do this work and I hope I’m heard. But – if not – as always I’ll keep on pushing on and screaming.”
Lilly Rose Valore is a Program Assistant with Futures Without Violence. Her work as a dancer/activist for trans lives and black lives has led her to this point. Lilly has always had an interest in developing the lives of marginalized groups specifically within the city of Boston. Her activism work has included speaking on LGBTQ awareness panels and teaching vogue classes and history. Lilly was born and raised in Boston, MA, and has been breaking barriers ever since.
SAY THEIR NAMES: Trans & Gender Non-Conforming Lives Lost to Hate Violence in 2020
Learn More About Trans Lives Lost in 2020
https://www.hrc.org/resources/violence-against-the-trans-and-gender-non-conforming-community-in-2020
- Dustin Parker, McAlester, McAlester, Oklahoma
- Alexa Neulisa Luciano Ruiz, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico
- Yampi Méndez Arocho, Moca, Puerto Rico
- Monica Diamond, Charlotte, NC
- Lexi, New York, NY
- Johanna Metzger, Baltimore, MD
- Penélope Díaz Ramírez, Bayamon, Puerto Rico
- Layla Pelaez Sánchez, Puerto Rico
- Serena Angelique Velázquez Ramos, Puerto Rico
- Nina Pop, Sikeston, MO
- Helle Jae O’Regan, San Antonio, TX
- Tony McDade, Tallahassee, FL
- Dominique “Rem’mie” Fells, Philadelphia, PA
- Riah Milton, Liberty Township, OH
- Jayne Thompson, Mesa County, CO
- Selena Reyes Hernandez, Chicago, IL
- Brayla Stone, Sherwood, AR
- Merci Mack, Dallas, TX
- Shaki Peters, Amite City, LA
- Bree “Nuk” Black, Pompano Beach, FL
- Summer Taylor, Seattle, WA
- Draya McCarty, Baton Rouge, LA
- Tatiana Hall, Philadelphia, PA
- Marilyn Cazares, Brawley, CA
- Tiffany Harris, The Bronx, NY
- Queasha D. Hardy, Baton Rouge, LA
- Brian “Egypt” Powers, Akron, OH
- Aja Raquell Rhone-Spears, Portland, OR
- Scott/Scottlynn Devore, August, GA
- Dior H Ova, Bronx, NY
- Lea Rayshon Daye, Cleveland, OH
- Kee Sam, Lafeyette LA
- Aerrion Burnett, Independence MI
- Mia Green, Philadelphia, PA
- Michelle Michellyn Ramos Vargas, San German, Puerto Rico
- Felycya Harris, Augusta, GA
- Brooklyn Deshuna, Shreveport, LA
- Sara blackwood, Indianapolis, IN
- Angel Unique, Memphis, TN
- Yunieski Carey Herrera, Miami, FL
Support & Donate to these Trans & LGBTQ Organizations:
- National Center for Transgender Equality https://transequality.org/
The National Center for Transgender Equality advocates to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people. In the nation’s capital and throughout the country, NCTE works to replace disrespect, discrimination, and violence with empathy, opportunity, and justice.
- Transgender Law Center https://transgenderlawcenter.org
Transgender Law Center (TLC) is the largest national trans-led organization advocating for a world in which all people are free to define themselves and their futures. Grounded in legal expertise and committed to racial justice, TLC employs a variety of community-driven strategies to keep transgender and gender nonconforming people alive, thriving, and fighting for liberation.
SAGE is a national advocacy and services organization that’s been looking out for LGBT elders since 1978.
- Sylvia Rivera Law Project https://srlp.org/
Located in NYC, SRLP works to improve access to respectful and affirming social, health, and legal services for LGBTQ communities.
- Trans Lifeline https://translifeline.org/
Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.
- Trans Women of Color Collective https://www.twocc.us/
The Trans Women of Color Collective work centers on healing and restorative justice. They build economic growth and development for the trans community.
- The Audre Lorde Project https://alp.org
The Audre Lorde Project is a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Trans and Gender Non Conforming People of Color center for community organizing, focusing on the New York City area.
- Anti-Violence Project https://avp.org/
AVP empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected communities and allies to end all forms of violence through organizing and education, and supports survivors through counseling and advocacy.
- The Trevor Project https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
RESOURCES:
- Learn More About Trans Day of Resilience
- Supporting Trans People – https://transequality.org/issues/resources/supporting-the-transgender-people-in-your-life-a-guide-to-being-a-good-ally
- FAQ about Trans People – https://transequality.org/issues/resources/frequently-asked-questions-about-transgender-people
- FUTURES’ LGBTQ Intimate Partner Violence Health Resources and Materials
http://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/health/lgbtq-ipv
The Caring Relationships, Healthy You safety cards and poster are survivor-centered tools that are useful conversation starters for health care providers who are doing universal education around healthy relationships and assessing for intimate partner violence.
- How Allies Can Support Trans & GenderQueer Communities
