Nov. 20, the annual Trans Day of Remembrance, honours the memory of trans and gender-expansive individuals whose lives were lost to hate, fear and ignorance. It is a day to recognize the dignity and fortitude within trans and gender-expansive communities in the face of pervasive harassment, discrimination and violence.
York University’s Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEDI) Strategy emphasizes our shared responsibility to support and enrich each other and to enable collective flourishing. The strategy states that “achieving an inclusive and equitable community is not a destination but rather a journey that requires ongoing attention and action.” York University reaffirms its support for – and willingness to act on behalf of – trans, Two-Spirit, non-binary and other gender-expansive students, staff, faculty, instructors and alumni, and denounces transphobic discrimination and violence everywhere.
Please take time and attention today to mourn the losses and to honour the strengths of the diverse trans and gender-expansive communities. Please commit to making York not only inclusive but expansive: safer, freer, open-minded and forward-looking.
To connect with others in observing the Trans Day of Remembrance, consider attending the events below or wearing a commemorative ribbon:
- Virtual Trauma-Informed Yoga session organized by SexGen (Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 10 a.m.; register here)
- Virtual Dance Workshop (Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m.; to register, please email thecentre@yorku.ca)
Ribbons are available in the following locations:
- Keele: Vari Hall; Kaneff Tower, ninth floor; and the Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion
- Markham: Room 2010, student services suite
- Glendon: Student Success Centre, YH B108 and the Glendon Zone kiosk at the Centre of Excellence
The Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion has identified and developed a number of resources for the community, including a guide on gender expression and gender identity, available here.
Thank you. Merci. Miigwech.
Laina Y. Bay-Cheng
Professor and Vice-President Equity, People and Culture