November 20, 2022: Transgender Day of Remembrance

WHEREAS, the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) was created in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith in honor of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was murdered in 1998; and,

WHEREAS, on November 20^th of each year we honor the lives and memory of trans people lost to senseless violence, transphobia, self-harm, and structural inequalities; and,

WHEREAS, LGBTQIA+ organizations, community members, and allies help raise awareness on the importance of inclusion, protections, and respect for those who are transgender; and,

WHEREAS, 2020 saw record-breaking numbers of anti-trans violence and deaths recorded by the Human Rights Campaign; and,

WHEREAS, 2021 has seen more trans deaths as of May than in the entirety of 2020, putting 2021 on track to be the deadliest year yet for trans individuals; and,

WHEREAS, it is critical that we address systemic homophobia, racism, classism, and sexism and take an intersectional perspective to address the needs and concerns of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals; and,

WHEREAS, the trans lives lost this year and in years prior deserve to be remembered, as they will be forever missed by family, friends, partners, and the community; and,

WHEREAS, transgender individuals should be acknowledged, validated, and supported; and,

WHEREAS, our state is proud of and strengthened by the rich diversity of Michiganders of all identities and will continue to advocate for and promote inclusion;

NOW THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, hereby proclaim November 20, 2022, as the Transgender Day of Remembrance.