Members of the local transgender community, along with other LGBT activists and local residents will gather on Friday, November 20, from 5 to 9 pm, in Ruth Hardy Park to commemorate the lives of transgender individuals who have died this year.

Organized by the Transgender Community Coalition and Transgender Day of Remebrance (TDOR) Palm Springs, the event is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder on November 28, 1998, launched the “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a San Francisco vigil the following year.

The event provides a forum for transgender communities and allies to raise awareness of the threat of violence faced by gender variant people and the persistence of prejudice felt by the transgender community. 

“Statistics show that One out of Eight transgender people of color and One out of Twelve white transgender people will face murder in their lifetime,” says Thomi Clinton, Director, Transgender Community Coalition.  “By coming to the vigil, scheduled from 7 to 8 pm, you can help change the public perception of transgender people, reduce crime, and move towards equality in this nation.”

 

Ruth Hardy Park at the Rose Garden, 700 Tamarisk Lane, Palm Springs.

Friday, Nov. 20, 5:00 to 9:00 PM, with music and community informational booths.

The Vigil will take place between 7 to 8 pm, with special guest Actor Mya Taylor who starred in ‘Tangerine.’

 

Among those participating with booths as of press time are: Transgender Community Coalition, Unlimited Creation, Mojave Love, Wizmaids, St. Anthony of the Desert, Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine, Christopher’s Clubhouse, Smooth Solutions by Dana, Dr. Traci Lowenthal, Psy.D, Get Tested Coachella Valley, The LGBT Center of the Desert, Attorney Christy Holstege, Bloom in the Desert, California Community of Men, Boo2Bullying, Riverside County Work Force Development Center, Equality California, Desert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, Desert Lightning, Pathfinder Community of the Risen Christ, California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc., Aqua Caliente Cultural Museum, Palm Springs/ Desert Communities Chapter of PFLAG, Small Wonder Experience, Safe and Savvy, County of San Bernardino Behavioral Health, Matchbox, Palm Springs Human Rights Commission, Democratic Headquarters of the Desert, Diane From The Moon, among others.

GayDesertGuide.com is a supporter and sponsor of the Events locally.