Transgender Day of Remembrance

In 2017, the province of Ontario set aside November 20 as the Trans Day of Remembrance to mourn and honor people who have been killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The day had been recognized by several other countries before this point.

The day also raises awareness about hate crimes and the tragic reality that people around us have been killed due to ignorance and hatred, targeted because they were trans or gender non-conforming.

Events are held around the world to remember those who might otherwise be forgotten and to give trans people and their allies a chance to stand together in vigil. The first event took place in 1999 in San Francisco to honour Rita Hester, who had been brutally murdered the previous year.

We know that gender identity is important to well-being and is often a factor in the harassment and discrimination in our communities and schools. We can all foster student and staff well-being – and the positive outcomes this brings – by confronting bias and learning more about our entire community.

HWDSB is proud to work with our partners to create a city free from discrimination and harassment. We value the work staff do to provide professional development on these important issues. We strive to support all families, so they can care for the academic, social and emotional well-being of their children.