Markets, resource-sharing and social gatherings are planned alongside a day honouring people lost to anti-transgender violence.
Markets, resource-sharing and social gatherings are planned alongside a day honouring people lost to anti-transgender violence.
Events to observe Transgender Awareness Week from Nov. 13 to 19, and Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 20 in Niagara region.
From local markets celebrating transgender creators to community gatherings focused on education and inclusion, Niagara residents will have several opportunities this November to recognize and support the region’s two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community.
The events mark Transgender Awareness Week, held Nov. 13 to Nov. 19 each year, and Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 20. While the week aims to raise awareness about the experiences and challenges facing transgender and gender-diverse people, the annual day of remembrance honours those who have lost their lives to anti-transgender violence.
Across the region, events are offering opportunities to learn, connect and show support.
Observed annually across Canada, Transgender Awareness Week is dedicated to gathering transgender people and their allies to take action and bring attention to the trans community.
Transgender Day of Remembrance was established in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith after Rita Hester, a transgender woman, was killed on Nov. 28 the previous year .
Hester was stabbed multiple times by an unknown assailant in her home in Allston, Mass.
Nearly three decades later, Nov. 20 is recognized internationally to commemorate Hester’s death and all other lives lost to anti-transgender violence.
Statistics Canada recorded 139 police-reported hate crimes targeting gender identity or expression in 2024, an eight per cent increase from the previous year. While the figure does not represent fatal violence alone, it highlights the broader forms of hate and discrimination affecting transgender and gender-diverse communities.
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Rebecca Hudescu is a general assignment reporter for the St. Catharines Standard through Metroland’s editorial internship program.