Dozens gather for vigil in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance

Sunday marked the 17th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, a movement recognized around the globe. People gathered in Palm Springs to remember those who died through transgender-related violence. Nearly fifty names were read aloud, honoring the lives of transgender people across the United States who have died. “These people that we lay to a peaceful rest this evening have been our guardians this past year. They’ve been there whenever you had to stand up for yourself or you had to walk with your head held high into that men’s or women’s restroom. They are the ones who have held the well-lit torch of equality along the way,” said transgender activist and motivational speaker, Aydian Dowling. Chief Executive Officer of Transgender Community Coalition, Thomi Clinton, coordinated Sunday night’s remembrance vigil. “The more advocacy we have and the more we bring public awareness to this tragic circumstance the hopefully less it will be, because I think everyone has the right to live free of violence,” said Clinton. And that’s why dozens came together exercising that right, holding candles, and reflecting on the LGBT community at large.