Appropriation of Transgender Day of Remembrance

[lisaquestions]

Every year, on November 20, many people - cis people as well as trans people - observe the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Trans people are 16 times more likely to be murdered than the general population, and 1-2 trans people are murdered every month. So far, the TDOR website lists 18 names:

Kellie Telesford, Brian McGlothlin, Gabriela Alejandra Albornoz, Patrick Murphy, Adolphus Simmons, Phaedra, Ashley Sweeney, Sanesha Stewart, Lawrence King, Simmie Williams Jr., Luna, Lloyd Nixon, Felicia Melton-Smyth, Silvana Berisha, Ebony Whitaker, Rosa Pazos, Angie Zapata, and Jaylynn L. Namauu.

Names not yet added to the list include Ruby Molina and Nikki Williams.

For 10 years, our community has gathered to remember our dead on November 20th.

So, enter GLSEN, or the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network, proposing TransAction!,

TransAction! - November 21, 2008

GLSEN is proud to be sponsoring a new national day of action: TransAction! This is a day for action, a day for education, celebration, and a day for people who do not identify as transgender to become an ally and stand up for the rights of individuals who have been the victims of harassment, bullying and name-calling because of their gender identity and/or gender expression.

Now, I think suggesting a day like this is by itself not a bad thing, but doing it the day after the Day of Remembrance is in incredibly poor taste, and smacks of allies speaking for trans people. I could be wrong, and trans people might be involved in planning/proposing this day… but even so, November 21st is the wrong day. Further, on Washington State’s GLSEN page,

*November*

11/21/2008, TransAction (Formerly Trans Day of Remembrance)

People who want to become an ally and stand up for the rights of trans people who have been the victims of harassment, bullying, and name-calling because of their gender identity and/or expression shouldn’t be doing this. Trans people have been doing the Day of Remembrance for 10 years. Don’t claim to replace the TDOR. Don’t put your day of celebration on the day after DOR. This isn’t solidarity, it’s appropriation. It’s walking all over what trans people are already doing.

Contact information for complaints: glsen@glsen.org or 212-727-0135

h/t Dale62676

crossposted from Questioning Transphobia
 

 

Comments

[cmcmck.livejournal.com]

Yet another example of THEM doing what THEY think is best for US!

Sigh!

Where have I heard that before over the last three decades?

Give us back our 'T' again, perhaps?

[scorpionflail.livejournal.com]

They probably like, /totally/ 'asked their trans friend' and she was 'okay with it' rite?

Taking a deep breath and sending something on over to glsen.

[gender-euphoric.livejournal.com]

*screams*
an email would be too easy. maybe i should actually call them?
i am at a loss.

[gwenners.livejournal.com]

Trust me, as the founder of Transgender Day of Remembrance, this is intentional on GLSEN's part.

I love being co-opted, don't you? :-/

[cmcmck.livejournal.com]

LJ are at it too- what's being advertised at the base of my screen here? You guessed it- ladyboys.

OFFBS!

Sigh :o(