Transgender Day Of Remembrance Recognized By Loudoun Supervisors

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — The Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 20 will be officially recognized by the Loudoun County government. The county's board of supervisors issued a proclamation to recognize the occasion.

The motion was proposed by Algonkian Supervisor Juli Briskman and passed 6-0-3 as part of the consent agenda. Three supervisors were not present for the vote.

Transgender Day of Remembrance is marked on Nov. 20 each year to remember transgender people who lost their lives to violence. According to a study from the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of law, transgender people are four times more likely to be victims of violent crime.

"Transgender Day of Remembrance is a solemn and significant day dedicated to honoring those whose lives were lost due to antitransgender bigotry and violence, in addition to affirming the rights, dignity, and invaluable contributions of the transgender community," staff members wrote for the background of the proclamation. "At a time when the rights of transgender individuals are under attack, it is vital for Loudoun County to stand with its transgender residents and allies."

At Thursday's meeting, Supervisor Briskman outlined some of the history for the Transgender Day of Remembrance. It began in 1999 to honor Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman who was murdered in her Boston apartment in 1998.

"I look forward to presenting this proclamation at Equality Loudoun's vigil on Nov. 20 and invite my colleagues to join," Supervisor Briskman said.

The full text of the proclamation is available online.