Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) is observed annually on the 20th of November. On this internationally recognised date, we honour the memories of trans and gender-diverse individuals who have lost their lives to gender-based violence. In her member’s statement, Rachel Payne MP conveyed a message of hope and solidarity to the trans and gender-diverse community.
Thursday the 28th of November 2024,
Victorian Legislative Council
RACHEL PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) on Transgender Day of Remembrance:
Last Wednesday 20th of November was Transgender Day of Remembrance. I would like to acknowledge and commend Minister Shing for her unwavering allyship and advocacy for some of Victoria’s most vulnerable. I also want to take this opportunity to reflect on what that day means.
I wish there was no need for a day of remembrance, but the reality is trans and gender-diverse people continue to be murdered, vilified and harassed. It is no wonder that, according to the Writing Themselves In 4 report, over 70 per cent of trans men and women had suicidal thoughts in the past 12 months.
Certain people in this chamber use a cloak and dagger. Under the guise of child safety, they directly enable the vilification that the trans and gender-diverse communities face.
I now want to speak directly to the trans and gender-diverse community. In the face of so much darkness, I know it can be hard to be hopeful. But for progress we need hope, a hope for a future where your long and happy lives are not in question. That is my hope.
Related Resources
> Health Care for Gender Diverse Minors – NoM 124 – Rachel Payne
> LGBTIQA+ rights and Anti-vilification laws – Rachel Payne
> LGBTIQA+ legal service launched in the south-east – Rachel Payne
> Counting LGBTIQA+ Australians in the census – Rachel Payne
> Equal access to sanitary disposal – Rachel Payne
> Police and the LGBTIQ+ Community – Rachel Payne
> Victorian Pride Lobby Anti-Vilification Roundtable – Rachel Payne
> ‘Writing Themselves in 4’ report on World Mental Health Day – Rachel Payne
