Sunday 20th November was Trans Day of Remembrance and events, vigils and memorials were held around the country to reflect on the lives that have been lost due to people expressing themselves in the way that they wish to across the world. The vast majority of these deaths are from violence or murder and a not insignificant amount from suicide. The latter are often because of the insurmountable pressures and issues that some people experience with acceptance, discrimination or healthcare issues – there is a widely reported statistic that varies from 40% to 52% of trans people that have seriously considered or attempted suicide. If this is something that affects you – I speak from experience as I have twice been in the position of considering taking my own life – please, please talk to someone, the Samaritans are trained in understanding trans issues and there are many other support services around, including your very own society’s helpline, that can help or at least provide an understanding and uncritical ear.
At the moment, the figures do change as more reports filter through, in the 12 months up to the end of September this year, 390 trans people lost their lives through unnatural causes, 52 through suicide. Some of the reports about the murders are horrific to read. These numbers are well under-reported as maybe the person is not openly out or their family refuses to admit the fact and I know personally of two trans people who ended their lives this year neither of whom was included in the list. This does not only affect those who are living openly full time, it affects any and all of us and it is important that we remember each and every one of them.
Andrea organised a vigil in Newbury on Sunday afternoon and later on attended the release of a film that I have contributed to in Reading – this is now available on YouTube – if you do watch it please be aware this can be difficult: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=C9cNtHKn4y4&feature=youtu.be.