Designated dates in November recognize over 46 different social causes, medical or mental health awareness campaigns and even foods (November is Banana Pudding Lover’s month).
Most of us recognize November as the month of remembrance, including the poppy campaign, traditionally from the last Friday in October to November 11; the November 5 to 11 Veterans Week, November 8 as Indigenous Veterans Day and November 11 as Remembrance Day itself.
There is another week of awareness and remembrance: November 13 to 19 is Transgender Awareness Week. November 20 is the Transgender Day of Remembrance. While these dates may not be as well known, they are still important.
Transgender Awareness Week is a time to learn and truly understanding the needs and challenges of our trans and gender diverse colleagues. It’s not a time of parties and celebrations. The Transgender Day of Remembrance began as a candlelight vigil to honour Rita Hester, a trans woman killed in 1998. Sadly, her murder has not been solved. Now, November 20 stands as a day to recognize victims of violence driven by transphobia, an irrational fear or hatred of trans people. Transgender folk are no different than cisgender folk (those whose sense of self is in alignment with their sex assigned at birth), and are just trying to live happy lives as their authentic selves.
If you are unsure what all of this means, Canadian Armed Forces members may engage a Positive Space ambassador to speak with themselves or their unit, or join the Positive Space program. Visit the websites for Pflag Canada or Egale Canada, both with abundant resources to broaden knowledge and understanding, and with information on how to become an ally.
