READING is set to observe Trans Day of Remembrance this week, which pays tribute to and honours the lives of transgender, non-binary, and gender-non-conforming people who have lost their lives to hatred.
This year’s event marks the tenth annual TDoR since its founding my Reading Pride’s MyUmbrella LGBT+ organisation in 2015.
It will be led by TransKind by Beaumont and Newbury Pride, who say that it reflects a commitment to broader inclusivity and aim to encourage regional collaboration across Berkshire, including with other Pride organisations and community groups.
Host Andrea Brookes will lead with an opening statement, followed by addresses by Mayor of Thatcham Cllr Petra Pemberton and Mayor of Newbury Cllr David Harman; a feature examining the taking of puberty blockers, with Hannah Massie; and an address by Lynne Jones, Vice President of TransKind by Beaumont.
This will be followed by the Year in Review, which examines how queer communities have been effected by events from the past 12 months, and a service remembering those who have lost their lives, which includes a performance by Nicolette Street and a minute’s silence.
There will also be performances from Niamh McGregor, Heidi Smith, Achilles Morean, Anja Jurgensson, Sam D’Arcy-Darling, FM Pratt, Freyja Domville, and Talia Button.
Andrea Brookes, Vice-Chair of Newbury Pride said: “TDoR is an important date in the calendar as it not only allows us to remember those we have lost from our community due to violence, suicide and neglect.
“But it also enables us to consider the risk we all, each and every one of us, take to just live our authentic lives quietly and peacefully against the unwarranted hatred, bigotry and lies whipped up by those with an alternative agenda.”
Reading’s Trans Day of Remembrance service takes place at Reading Biscuit Factory from 7pm on Sunday, November 16.
The event will also be followed by a separate vigil from Reading Pride and MyUmbrella at Reading Minster Church of St Mary on Sunday, November 23.
