READING Pride is once again marking Trans Day of Remembrance with a vigil next month.
It will mark the day with a vigil and film presentation, where a number of representatives from charities and support organisations will speak, as well as those affected by trans rights issues from Berkshire and further afield.
It will also include a list of all of the trans lives lost to abuse and hate-related violence since last year’s vigil.
This year, a public showing of the film is taking place at Reading Biscuit Factory.
TDoR was founded in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith to memorialise Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was murdered in Massachusetts in 1998.
Reading’s first TDoR vigil was held in 2015.
This year’s event will feature contributions from Thames Valley Gay Chorus and Asifa Lahore, the UK’s first out Muslim drag queen.
A spokesperson for Reading Pride said: “As we gather to honour the memory of those we’ve lost to transphobic violence and hate, we reflect on a year of escalating attacks on trans rights in the UK, with restrictive policies and rising hate crimes.
“Despite this, we stand united in love and resilience.”
“We are honoured to have Asifa Lahore, the UK’s first out Muslim drag queen (who is also a trans woman) and a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, as our host.
“We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Thames Valley Gay Chorus, a talented and inclusive choir that has been performing across the region for years, for their moving performance at Reading Rep Theatre.”
Trans Day of Remembrance vigil will take place at the Reading Biscuit Factory on November 17, with a repeat showing on November 20.
