Trans* is an umbrella term to describe people whose gender is not the same as, or does not sit comfortably with, the sex they were assigned at birth.
Trans* people may describe themselves using one or more of a wide variety of terms, including (but not limited to) transgender, non-binary, or genderqueer.

It is important to remember:

• Trans* identities are diverse. Trans people* may identify in lots of different ways.

• Not everyone identifies as ‘male’ or ‘female’. Sometimes, people assume that being trans* is about feeling you are the ‘opposite’ gender. This is true for some trans* people, but not for others. This assumption makes things difficult for those who identify outside of ‘male’ or ‘female’, for example nonbinary people. A nonbinary person may need some different things to feel comfortable to, for example, a trans* person who identifies as ‘male’.

• Not every trans* person will want to transition but may still like, or benefit from, ongoing support of some kind.

• Language is important. People sometimes worry about using the correct language when talking about gender identity and are often concerned about ‘getting it wrong’.

• Our living dictionary includes a list of common terms and can be used to build confidence around LGBTQIA+, including trans, terminology. A person may change the term they use to describe their identity, or use a new term which is unfamiliar. It’s important to make sure that the words a person uses to describe their identity are respected by others.

Trans* Awareness Week

Trans* Awareness Week (November 13 - 19) raises awareness of the transgender community through advocacy and education. Trans* Awareness Week is a time for the LGBTQIA+ community to honor, celebrate, and uplift our trans* community. With anti-trans* rhetoric and legislation at all-time highs, now more than ever, we need to listen to our trans* community about our experiences. Trans Awareness Week gives us the opportunity to uplift positive stories of trans people across the country.

Trans* Day of Remembrance

Trans* Awareness Week leads into Trans* Day of Remembrance (TDoR) which was initially founded by Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor Rita Hester, a trans woman that was murdered in 1998. Annually on November 20, TDoR is a time to honor those trans people we have lost and to advocate for a world in which trans people are no longer targets for hate. 2022 has already seen at least 32 transgender people fatally shot or killed by other violent means. We say “at least” because too often these stories go unreported or misreported. Historically, the majority of these people were Black and Latine trans* women. These victims, like all of us, are loving partners, parents, family members, friends and community members. They worked, went to school and attended houses of worship. They were real people, people who did not deserve to have their lives taken from them.

TDoR raises public awareness of hate crimes against trans* people and publicly mourns and honors the lives of transgender people who might otherwise be forgotten. Through the vigil, we express love and respect in the face of national indifference and hatred. TDoR gives trans* people and their allies a chance to step forward and stand in vigil, memorializing those who’ve died by anti-trans* violence.

Trans* Day of Remembrance Brunch
Friday, November 18, 2022, 11:30am-12:30pm PST
In-Person (Oceanside Campus - 3400 Pavilion) and Live Streamed

Join us for our annual TDoR Brunch where we will honor and remember all trans* folx who are no longer with us, lost to anti-trans* violence and discrimination, and the hardships of systemic oppression and transphobia. RSVP so we know to expect you!

We will hold a candlelight vigil and reflect on the ways we can honor and uplift trans* folx everywhere this weekend to nationally observe Trans* Day of Remembrance on Sunday, Nov 20 as well as every single day. There will be snacks and fixings available for those in-person. The live stream link will be sent to all who have RSVP-ed! We will be joined by Mely Quiroz (they/he) who will give a keynote address about our trans* community - you can learn more about them at this link here.

DATE AND TIME: Thursday, November 17, 2022 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Colachis Plaza 5998 Alcala ParkSan Diego,CA 92110

DETAILS

The LGBTQ+ and Allies Commons honors those lost to transphobic violence every year in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20th. This event is positioned to honor and remember those lost as full, vibrant human beings, prove a call to actionstop transphobic violence in all forms, and hold processing space for the trans and queer community and the larger USD community.