Transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith started the first Transgender Day Of Remembrance (TDOR) as a vigil in 1999 to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman, who was killed in 1998. Since its inception, TDOR seeks to honor the lives and memories of transgender people who fell victim to transphobic-related violence.
On this Transgender Day Of Remembrance, we give pause to our trans brothers and sisters who have lost their lives or continue to face discrimination because of who they are. Per the Human Rights Campaign, 22 transgender people have been murdered in the US in 2019 and 3 of them were in Florida.
- Bee Love Slater
- Burned in September 2019 in Clewiston, Florida.
- Ellie Marie Washtock
- Shot in January 2019 in World Golf Village, Florida.
- Marquis “Kiki” Fantroy
- Shot in July 2019 in Miami, Florida
Hate crimes against transgender people have increased since the beginning of the Trump administration, including an increase in the deaths of trans women of color. The hatred, bigotry, and malicious violence against transgender people must come to an end. The Rainbow Democrats will continue to support legislation, organizations, and candidates that support the trans community.
If you are interested in attending an event in the Orlando area for or TDOR. Below are links to event.
For additional information regarding TDOR and statistics. We have posted links to articles below.
Rainbow Democrats, Inc. 