20th November is marked as the Transgender Day of Remembrance, in remembrance of the people who lost their lives as a result of transphobia. People from different communities come forward and show their support by participating in open discussions to help raise awareness and educate society about the issues faced by the trans people.
The DUSA staff and students, alongside the wider community, gathered at ’The School of Life Sciences Medicinal Garden to commemorate the transgender people who have died as a result of brutal acts of anti-transgender violence, stigma, and suicide. The vigil was organised by WRASAC and Dundee Pride, in partnership with DUSA, the Terrence Higgins Trust, our LGBT+ Society, and the University of Dundee LGBT+ Staff and Postgraduate network. It facilitated an opportunity for individuals to share their personal experiences and enlightening speeches with the wider community.
Like Jason Collins, The Gay Athlete, said, “Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it’s a good place to start.” Awareness is the first place to begin, alongside education around the LGBTQ+ community is about.
Cheddar Gorgeous, drag performer, “May we amplify each other’s voices and dispel the unwarranted shame of this world together”.
Globally, the LGBTQ+ community continues to face bias and inappropriate behavior on a daily basis in this world fraught with prejudice and unacceptance. Individuals have lost lives and have faced brutal abuse just because they belong to a community which is unknown to the majority of people around us.
To put it in simpler words, ‘Trangender’ is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity is different from the sex assigned to them at birth. Some trans people identify as men or women, while others may describe themselves as non-binary, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, agender, bigender or other identities that reflect their personal experience. Some take hormones or have surgery as part of their transition, while others may change their pronouns or appearance. However, this is not a necessary part of the transgender experience.
He/him and she/her are the most commonly used pronouns in our daily vocabulary related to gender. However, some use other pronouns like they/them and some use neopronouns like xe/him.. Just like someone calling us with the pronouns we don’t use, referring to someone who likes to be referred to as ‘she’ may cause discomfort when referred to as ‘she’ or ‘he’.. Research shows that in transgender youth, using correct pronouns and names reduces depression and suicide risks.
Transphobia can involve ill-treatment through name-calling, biasness and even violence. Many individuals face bullying, criticism, and physical abuse which leads to depression and anxiety among trans people. As per the Human Right Campaign report, over a majority (54%) of trans people have experienced some form of intimate partner violence, 47% have been sexually assaulted in their lifetime and nearly one in ten were physically assaulted in between 2014 and 2015. This type of violence can be fatal. At least 27 trans and gender non-conforming people have been violently killed in 2020 thus far, the same number of fatalities observed in 2019.
1.) Stigma and discrimination
2.) Lack of inclusivity
3.) Incorrect pronouns to address
4.) Physical and sexual abuse
5.) Identity documents
6.) Safety
Trans people are among us, who are your friends and even family members, and have an equal right to strive and succeed in life. While the social change makers continue to bring about the change in society through their voices, we as a community can educate ourselves and break the chain of hatred and discrimination, leaving more space for solidarity and inclusivity. If you have any issue that affects you as an LGBTQ+ student you can find support via our advice page: LGBTQ+ Support
Priyanka Joshi is a web content writer and advice & support officer at DUSA.
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