Transgender Day of Remembrance

[shadows]

*facepalm*

And I am blind. SSL has a link to it at the top of the page. I will copy it from Egale and post it later today. Hopefully this will change(or at least enlighten) one of the member's minds over there about this.

[shadows]

I have placed a copy of the article from Egale at the forum. I hope that at least one person there will have their eyes opened just as mine have been here.

Aside from the “Remembrance” service being a significant part of my personal growth, it also turned out to be the “icebreaker” I have been seeking regarding sharing this part of myself with friends and family. The last few weeks have been interesting.

I publicized this event as well as the organization “Stopping the Hate” on my technology blog which is read by many of our students and faculty. So there is no hiding it now. Many I’ve talked to had no idea what “transgender” really meant. Or what kinds of “hate crimes” have been committed against transgender individuals. Or why I had an interest in it. At this point, I believe my friends and colleagues see me as primarily a supporter of “rights.”

But it has started the conversation…

[ila]

Originally Posted by aw9725

Aside from the "Remembrance" service being a significant part of my personal growth, it also turned out to be the "icebreaker" I have been seeking regarding sharing this part of myself with friends and family. The last few weeks have been interesting.

I publicized this event as well as the organization "Stopping the Hate" on my technology blog which is read by many of our students and faculty. So there is no hiding it now. Many I've talked to had no idea what "transgender" really meant. Or what kinds of "hate crimes" have been committed against transgender individuals. Or why I had an interest in it. At this point, I believe my friends and colleagues see me as primarily a supporter of "rights."

But it has started the conversation...

I applaud you, aw, for all that you have done to raise awareness of the plight of transgender people. I like that you have b een open with your friends and family about trans issues. I also like that you have provided support for transgender people through your blog.

I think you will find, as I did, that the more that one talks about trans issues and rights the easier it becomes. I have found it very natural to talk about everything trans now. My co-workers and friends listen to me as I raise issues. I've been very surprised at how supportive people are. I will continue, at every opportunity, to talk about trans issues and to raise awareness wherever and whenever I can.

In regards to the theme of this thread I have told all of my co-workers that tomorrow is the Transgender Day of Remembrance. I have also told them that I will be having my own little service at work tomorrow afternoon and that they are welcome to join me. I do hope that I get some participation from my co-workers.

[shadows]

Let us know how it goes Ila.

[shadows]

Since today is November 20th...*bump*

[ila]

Originally Posted by ila

In regards to the theme of this thread I have told all of my co-workers that tomorrow is the Transgender Day of Remembrance. I have also told them that I will be having my own little service at work tomorrow afternoon and that they are welcome to join me. I do hope that I get some participation from my co-workers.

Originally Posted by shadows

Let us know how it goes Ila.

I had a TDoR service in my office as I had planned. It was just myself, none of my co-workers attended. I had a few minutes of silence as I thought about all the transgender people that have suffered abuse and hatred. It is truly sad as I ran through a mental list of all that have suffered. I shed a tear (or two or more) as I thought of those who didn't have to die. At the end of my silence and contemplation I vowed to do better and to try harder to make this world a better place for all transgender people.

As an asidie, I walked over to my co-workers' offices after I had finished my service and they were busy with customers, so maybe they were busy when I had my service. I will give them the benefit of the doubt.

That is very moving ila. I am sorry to hear your co-workers did not attend. Please know that today I was thinking of you and those who have fallen as I'm sure were others on this forum.

[shadows]

Originally Posted by ila

I had a TDoR service in my office as I had planned. It was just myself, none of my co-workers attended. I had a few minutes of silence as I thought about all the transgender people that have suffered abuse and hatred. It is truly sad as I ran through a mental list of all that have suffered. I shed a tear (or two or more) as I thought of those who didn't have to die. At the end of my silence and contemplation I vowed to do better and to try harder to make this world a better place for all transgender people.

As an asidie, I walked over to my co-workers' offices after I had finished my service and they were busy with customers, so maybe they were busy when I had my service. I will give them the benefit of the doubt.

That was a moving post, Ila. And to give them the benefit of the doubt is nice as well, as thinking otherwise could just give you un-needed irritation. You performed the service, and perhaps knowing that you went through with it and what it stood for, they will choose to attend next year's service. Optimism is a good thing to have.