,

Today, November 20th, is Transgender Day of Remembrance. 2018 has been a painful year for the transgender community as our reckless government has been relentless in keeping these precious and sacred lives at the forefront of its political scheming.

Such evil has been reinforced by a misguided and irresponsible understanding of religion and faith in our civil discourse. Consequently, the horrific murder of trans persons continues.

In 2018 we’ve lost 22 beautiful trans lives due to horrific acts of violence.

This does not include the many dead who have been misgendered by authorities and the unknown number of suicides, or those who are assumed to have committed suicide due to lack of proper investigation.

May we also remember the many trans folx within our community who lack access to appropriate health care, safe and affordable housing, and the opportunity to earn a living wage.

Alongside this is the constant misuse of pronouns, misgendering, and general disrespect experienced by anyone who identifies as transgender, genderqueer, and non-binary.

Worse yet, this is happening in their neighborhoods, workspaces, and faith communities. Along with living from day-to-day, they alone are forced to fulfill the innate need to fight for their own lives, while also fighting for and saving the lives of others.

As Unitarian Universalists, let us celebrate the inherent worth and dignity of trans lives by remembering those we’ve lost and honoring those living among us, gracing us with their courage and charging us to love better, work harder, and be more equitable toward all people, especially those who are transgender, genderqueer, and non-binary.

Gratefully,

Michael

Rev. Michael J. Crumpler
LGBTQ and Intercultural Programs Manager, Multicultural Growth and Witness
Unitarian Universalist Association