Begun in 1999 by transgender activist and author Gwendolyn Ann Smith, the Transgender Day of Remembrance is a solemn reminder every Nov. 20 of the continuing violence against the transgender community. And it's certainly still an issue — the Human Rights Campaign reports that this year alone 22 people have been murdered in the U.S. because of transphobia. However, it is heartening that the originally web-based holiday has expanded to an internationally known day of mourning, acknowledgment and support. In fact, this year Michigan's branch of Free Mom Hugs will be holding an event at the state capitol in honor of the day.
"Transgender people are victims of violence in so many different ways, and I said, 'Wouldn't it be amazing if the capitol wasn't booked on the 20th?' Because I had just seen an ACLU event where they spoke for the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act," said Free Mom Hugs Southeast Michigan Chapter Co-Leader Jill Lash. "And I just thought, 'That would just be amazing and incredible where we do something … and just speak about how necessary this equality in Michigan [is].'"
Free Mom Hugs is a nonprofit organization that focuses on providing emotional support for those in the LGBTQ community who haven't been able to receive it from their own families. Lash said that Free Mom Hugs standing up for the trans community at the event not only fit the organization's mission but it was the right thing to do.
"[The reason] … I joined Free Mom Hugs was that I have a voice, and my voice isn't a marginalized voice, but I wanted to create the option [for people to be heard]," Lash said. "And so, we got some really good speakers and said, 'Why not? Let's do it.'"
Planned speakers at this year's event are Free Mom Hugs State Chapter Leader Arleta Greer; Roz Keith, executive director of Stand With Trans; Bri Leakan, the social chair of LGBT+ Michigan, the University of Michigan's LGBTQ student organization; and Josh Farmer, a board member of U.P. Rainbow Pride. The event begins promptly at 11 a.m. and will last until 2 p.m. on the Capitol steps.
Lash said that she realized traveling to the state's Capitol building may not be an easy feat for those in Southeast Michigan, so she made sure to set up buses and carpooling options around Detroit and in Saline.
"There's one [bus] in Detroit and one in Saline [at three] transportation hubs for anyone who may not be able to get there. And we're picking up in Saline, so it's near U of M and then going to Lansing," Lash said. "So, it turns out that there are a few districts that have no school, and I'm hoping to get some youth [to attend.] I think it would be a really affirming day that would be completely free."
Buses will be picking up event attendees at 1990 Bagley in Detroit at 8:15 a.m.; and in Saline at 7000 E. Michigan Ave. at 9:15 a.m. To find out more about the pickup process and registering, visit this link: signupgenius.com/go/8050f44a5ae2da3f58-lansing. More information can also be found on the Free Mom Hugs Facebook page.
