TransGender Michigan declares Transgender Awareness Day

In Aug. 1966, a group of transgender women fought back against a police raid at Compton's Cafeteria in San Francisco. The riot that ensued marks what many believe was the beginning of the transgender equality movement.
Although the specific date and many of the details surrounding the riot at Compton's Cafeteria have been essentially erased from history, TransGender Michigan is seeking to let the bravery of these transwomen live on by educating others about this momentous event and about transgender identity through the creation of Transgender Awareness Day, a day devoted to increasing understanding about transgender identity and issues.
Transgender Awareness Day will be held annually on Aug. 15 in honor of the Riot at Compton's Cafeteria. TransGender Michigan encourages organizations from all corners of the globe to celebrate Transgender Awareness Day through educational events and efforts. TransGender Michigan intends to list these events on www.transgendermichigan.org.
"Unfortunately, many say that the transgender equality movement is a relatively new one; however, our movement pre-dates Stonewall, the date most consider the beginning of the gay and lesbian civil rights movement," says Rachel Crandall, MSW, Executive Director of TransGender Michigan. "While Transgender Awareness Day may be a new event, it is definitely not a new way of thinking."
Transgender Awareness Day should not be confused with an existing event organized by Gender Education and Advocacy entitled Transgender Day of Remembrance. TDOR is an event dedicated to memorializing individuals who were killed because of anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. TransGender Michigan is a strong supporter of the Transgender Day of Remembrance and participates each year; however, TransGender Michigan felt it was important to create a day devoted to increasing awareness to fight against the attitudes and beliefs that perpetuate such violence.
"Obviously there is much education needed," said TransGender Michigan secretary Carrie Tune-Copeland. "Ignorance, discrimination and violence against transgender individuals runs rampant in our society, and we at TransGender Michigan believe education and advocacy to be important remedies to this disease. We know that individuals and organizations across the world agree and will stand with us in this fight."