Transgender Day of Remembrance event Tuesday in Red Deer

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“One of the most misunderstood things that still remains about the transgender and non-binary community is that we are mentally ill. Our identity is not a choice. The choice is when we decide to come out, and pursue a personal journey to become our most authentic selves,” Gagnon explains. This is usually a lifelong journey for most of us, as we still lack the same rights as the general population. We are often left wondering if our jobs, school, home and social lives are at risk on a daily basis because of how we identify.”

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One life being remembered at this year’s event is that of Myrah Whitstone, a 34-year-old transgender Indigenous woman whose body was discovered last March near Edmonton. Strathcona County RCMP is still seeking information from the public regarding the events which led to her death.

Meanwhile, Gagnon and TANAS are reacting to a decision this week in Ontario where the governing Progressive Conservatives led by Premier Doug Ford passed a resolution which will see members debate at next year’s party convention whether to recognize gender identity.

The resolution categorizes gender identity as a theory, and refers to it as a ‘highly controversial, unscientific liberal ideology.’

“This was very disappointing. The gender-diverse community already has to fight every day for their validity and rights as human beings. Our hope is that those who need it reach out for help, and know that they are still valid, regardless of what the government says,” Gagnon states. “Hate doesn’t start with murder, it starts with discrimination and dehumanization.”

Gagnon says what it comes down to is people educating themselves, which could include reaching out to someone in the trans community and asking questions with an open mind.

“We don’t all look the same, and we don’t all pass by society’s standards, but we are here, we are loud and we are proud in many different ways and forms,” they say. “TANAS offers round table discussions on these topics, and would be happy to come and teach you. Nothing about us, without us.”

Tuesday’s Transgender Day of Remembrance event starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Red Deer Funeral Home. There will be a service to honour all gender-diverse individuals lost in the past year, and to give a message of hope to those still living.