Transgender Day of Remembrance Passes Virginia House Of Delegates

RICHMOND, VA — The Virginia House of Delegates passed a resolution Wednesday introduced by state Del. Danica Roem that designates Nov. 20 as Transgender Day of Remembrance in Virginia. The resolution passed the House of Delegates with a vote of 58-23.

The text of the resolution honors trans and gender non-conforming victims of violence in the United States and internationally, particularly noting a majority of those killed in this country were African American and were victims of gun violence.

"Transgender Day of Remembrance raises much-needed awareness of hate crimes against the transgender community," reads HJ 85, "and provides a day to mourn and honor victims by expressing love and respect for all people in the face of hatred."

Roem, who represents Virginia's 13th district, which includes Haymarket, Gainesville, Manassas Park and parts of Manassas, tweeted Wednesday that the "vote tally speaks for itself."

"All Virginians are encouraged to commemorate Transgender Day of Remembrance by holding or attending vigils, town-hall-style meetings, exhibitions of artwork and photography, and other activities," the resolution adds.

The only Virginia lawmaker with a district entirely in Northern Virginia to vote against the resolution was Del. David LaRock, who represents the 33rd district, which includes western Loudoun County and parts of Clarke and Frederick counties.

The resolution states that the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of the day on the General Assembly's website.