November 20, 2015
Province Observes Transgender Remembrance Day with Flag Raising to Honour Victims of Hate
The Province of Manitoba is recognizing Transgender Day of Remembrance, by raising the transgender flag in Memorial Park, Health Minister Sharon Blady announced today.
“Recognizing this day once again shows the world that Manitoba remains a peaceful, tolerant and welcoming place,” Minister Blady said. “We will continue to stand up for the rights of transgender individuals and celebrate the unique diversity of all Manitobans that make the province a modern, forward-thinking place to live.”
Transgender Day of Remembrance is a day to memorialize those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia (the hatred or fear of transgender and gender non-conforming people) and to bring attention to the continued violence endured by the transgender community. It has been held every Nov. 20 since 1999.
According to http://tdor.info, 79 transgender individuals were murdered worldwide in 2015. Remembering the transgender individuals who were murdered or injured due to violence is just a part of provincial efforts to protect and assist transgender Manitobans, the minister said.
Last January, the province adjusted the process to change gender on birth registrations and certificates by removing the requirement for proof of gender transition surgery. This past June, the province announced changes that will improve access to services for transgender Manitobans by expanding the number of recognized practitioners able to conduct patient assessments for gender dysphoria, increasing funding for the Transgender Health Program at Klinic Community Health Centre and introducing coverage for chest masculinization surgeries.
In 2012, the provincial government amended Manitoba’s human right’s code to specifically prohibit discrimination based on gender identity, further protecting transgender Manitobans, Minister Blady said.
- 30 -