“The biggest thing I’d like to see this Inquiry address is the fear held by trans people.” (Cross-dresser)

Friday 20 November is the 11th International Transgender Day of Remembrance. Vigils around the world commemorate the lives of trans people, and sometimes their partners and friends, who have been killed in the last 12 months because of their gender identity. This year trans groups have organised a number of commemorations in New Zealand where at least one local trans woman will be remembered.The Transgender Inquiry found sobering evidence of harassment, discrimination, assaults and others forms of violence against trans people. These ranged from lower-level insults to very violent physical and sexual assaults. In some severe cases people suffered permanent ongoing health issues after being attacked. Trans people also told the Inquiry about friends who had committed suicide because of the violence directed at them simply for being trans.

In previous New Zealand Transgender Day of Remembrance events the names of trans people who have been killed were read aloud at candlelight vigils, and written on crosses or inside the chalked outlines of bodies drawn on Wellington’s Civic Square. It has also been a time to reflect on the fear, violence and discrimination that affects many trans people’s lives.

Often New Zealand trans people who have died struggled to have a life free from violence and addiction. lt is not always clear whether they were killed for being trans, but typically they had encountered discrimination because of their gender identity.

Diksy Jones was a cabinet maker, who loved old cars, cricket and cats. In May this year she was killed in her Upper Hutt apartment, aged 64. Two men have been charged with her murder. Diksy Jones is one of almost 100 people who will be remembered around the world this Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Yet trans people remain invisible as victims in crime statistics and crime surveys. That is why Transgender day of Remembrance is so important. It publicly mourns and honours the lives of those who might otherwise be forgotten.

Transgender Day of Remembrance raises public awareness of violence and hate crimes against trans people, and provides an opportunity for non-trans people to stand alongside their trans friends, partners, children and parents. It also demonstrates the power and resilience of trans communities speaking out against violence, proudly being who they are.

Some New Zealand commemorations this year include:

Christchurch – Agender members, significant others, friends and supporters are invited to meet at 6pm for nibbles and drinks, followed by a social time and Christmas festive food. The venue is the conference room, 2nd Floor Te Whakaruruhau ki Ōtautahi | Christchurch Community House. Please RSVP to agenderchch@clear.net.nz by Monday 16 November.

Wellington – Agender has its meeting in Lower Hutt on Friday 20 November and then a BBQ and games in a park at Belmont on Saturday 21st. Contact Natalie Shearer on n_shearer@maxnet.co.nz or 027 675 8373.

Hamilton - there will be a gathering at the Riff-Raff statue on Hamilton’s Victoria Street from 7.30pm onwards on Friday evening 20 November. All are welcome to join Agender Waikato and Hamilton Pride there to make a stand against violence and discrimination.

Auckland - A week later, Gender Bridge are hosting a vigil at St Mathew in the City, at 7pm on Saturday 28 November. Email info@genderbridge.org for details.

NZ Police’s vision of “Safer Communities Together” aims to reduce crime, violence and victimisation experienced by trans communities and to encourage people to report violence, harassment and assaults.Police Diversity Liaison Officers (DLOs) are police officers and police employees located throughout NZ who liaise with trans communities. An updated list of DLO contacts is available here.