Transgender vigil held in Palm Springs
Dozens of people came out to Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs to spread awareness on transgender issues during the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.
The event featured a vigil where the names of all the transgender people in America that were murdered or committed suicide this year are read aloud to shine light on the struggle transgender people live with everyday.
There were also booths set up where transgender people talked about the struggles they live with everyday.
“I couldn’t get a job and I knew that I had the skills for it, which forced me out on the streets to do sex work, which is very dangerous and I have seen many girls that have gotten killed doing that type of work,” said Mya Taylor a transgender actress.
“The main problem is a lot of people don’t know and they don’t understand and they are sort of fearful of the whole thing, so because of that fear and ignorance it creates issues,” said Myles Vine, Board Member of the Transgender Community Coalition.
Officials from many valley cities and the county were on hand to explain what’s being done to spread diversity and inclusiveness at the local level.
“Lets start with the LGBT Center, which is now know as the Center, [it] has done a tremendous job of educating and is where the transgender people can feel safe and secure,” said Paul Lewin, Mayor Pro Tem of Palm Springs.
An important corner stone of the event was the emphasis on educating the youth that transgender should be treated just like anyone else.
