A group will gather in Wellington's Civic Square this Sunday for the Transgender Day of Remembrance. The day of remembrance takes place every November with events around the world to memorialise those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. This is the third year the event has been held in New Zealand, "and we anticipate we'll continue to do it, as long as trans-people continue to get murdered for who they are,” says Claudia McKay, National Co-ordinator of transgender support group Agender NZ. Thirteen transgender people have been murdered this year, explains McKay. “The last two times we've chalked the bodies out on the pavement, but this time we're making little wooden crosses for every trans-person murdered since 1973. They will all be planted in the lawn, and we'll read the names of the latest thirteen and plant their crosses also.” Rainbow Labour MP Maryan Street is expected to speak at the event. Human Rights Commissioner Joy Liddicoat is preparing a statement to be read out. The Human Rights Commission is currently looking into discrimination and human rights issues for transgender people. In 2005, their consultation with 5,000 New Zealanders showed that transgender people are among the most marginalised and stigmatised people in our communities. The transgender day of remembrance begins at 2pm on Sunday 19 November in Wellington's Civic Square, behind the library. All transgendered people and their supporters are welcome to attend, and an open mic will be available to all. Ref: GayNZ.com (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Tuesday, 14th November 2006 - 12:00pm