TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE 2009

Notice from: Canadian Labour Congress Statement

November 20 marks the 11th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day to honour and remember all those transgender people who have been murdered as a result of transphobic violence.

Transphobic violence is all too common in communities around the world. In Toronto, the 519 Community Centre estimates that at least one trans person per month dies from transphobic violence; trans women of colour who are sex workers are disproportionately affected by this violence. Most often, these tragic events are not reported in the mainstream media and the perpetrators are seldom prosecuted.

But we must do more than remember. In addition to recognizing the day, we each need to commit ourselves to working toward the full equality of our transgender sisters and brothers in our workplaces, in our communities and in our unions.

We need to educate ourselves and our members about trans issues, put trans issues on our list of priorities at the bargaining table and make sure our unions support workers who are transitioning on the job. Information about trans issues, bargaining demands and workers in transition is available on the CLC website at: www.canadianlabour.ca under “Human Rights and Equality” and“Pride”.

We also need to participate in campaigns to include gender identity and gender expression in human rights laws in jurisdictions all across the country.

Under the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights everyone has the right to security of the person and to protection from violence or bodily harm. The labour movement’s commitment to these principles is expressed through our solidarity with one another and our understanding that an injury to one is an injury to all.

On November 20, let us honour those who have died and renew our support of the trans communities and their struggle for equality.

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