Observances set for Nov. 20th

Each year on November 20th, communities around the world pause for Transgender Day of Remembrance, an opportunity to honor and memorialize individuals who lost their lives to anti-transgender violence.

In Baltimore, the day’s schedule includes the Trans March of Resilience to City Hall, and the annual vigil and reading of the names at the First Unitarian Church in downtown Baltimore.

We asked Deb Dunn, trans health coordinator at Chase Brexton Health Care, for more details about Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Why is Transgender Day of Remembrance such an important occasion?

Transgender Day of Remembrance is held each year to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. Not every person listed during the Day of Remembrance self-identified as transgender, but each were a victim of violence based on bias against transgender people. Most of those lost died from brutal and degrading violence. Their names are read aloud at remembrance vigils over the entire nation.

The purpose of the Transgender Day of Remembrance is to raise public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people, honor the lives of transgender people who might otherwise be forgotten, and allow allies, friends and family to express love and respect.

Details about Baltimore’s memorial events, a collaboration between the First Unitarian Church of Baltimore, Baltimore Transgender Alliance, and Transgender Response Team, were still being determined at press time. For the most up-to-date information, visit Tdorbaltimore.weebly.com.

What should a transgender person do if they are a victim of a crime?

No one should feel like they can’t report a crime committed against them, and if you are in a dangerous situation, you want to make sure that it isn’t getting worse. However, transgender individuals can be very afraid to ask for help or make a police report, which is why the Baltimore City Office of the State’s Attorney has an LGBTQ Community Liaison named Merrick Moses to assist with that process. Merrick can help connect individuals to the right resources if they need to report a crime or act of violence. To reach Merrick, call him directly at 410-387-8044 or e-mail him at mmoise@stattorney.org.

How can members of the transgender community access support if they need it?

Members of the transgender community can access support in several ways. First, they can contact the LGBT Resource Center of Chase Brexton Health Care by calling 410-837-2050 x1049, or during our walk-in hours: Monday from 9 am to noon; Wednesday from 1 to 5 pm, and Friday from 9 am to noon. A list of community resources, as well as referrals to medical and behavioral health providers at Chase Brexton, can be provided.

Members of the transgender community may also contact:

• Baltimore Transgender Alliance at info@bmoretransalliance.com;

• GLCCB at 410-777-8145, or info@glccb.org

• Transgender Response Team by e-mail at jean-michel.brevelle@maryland.gov or by calling 410-767-5016

• Sistas of the T at Tinyurl.com/sistasofthet

• Trans Lifeline hotline at 1-877-565-8860

• STAR TRACK (Special Teens At-Risk Together Reaching Access, Care, and Knowledge) Adolescent & Young Adult Center by visiting Startrackbaltimore.org

• Black TransMen – Maryland and District of Columbia at 1-855-BLK-TMEN (1-855-255-8636) or by visiting Blacktransmen.org

What message does the LGBT Health Resource Center wish to share with transgender individuals?

We would love for transgender individuals to know that we continue to be a safe and caring place for you. Our doors are open and we are available to listen and support you.

For or more information about Trans Care contact lgbt@chasebrexton.org, call 410-837-2050 x1049, or visit Chasebrexton.org/TransCare.