15th Annual International Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) November 20th, 2013

It’s been a long while since we’ve posted anything (we are busy altruistic social workers-our time goes fast) but tomorrow is the Trans Day of Remembrance and it was just reported that a suspect in the murder of Islan Nettles has been released on bond. The complete lack of justice for trans individuals, particularly trans women of color leaves many (if not most/all) trans people feeling as if their lives do not matter, that society at large doesn’t even few them as human. Sadly they have a lot of evidence to back this up. This is why it is so important for social workers to be trans inclusive in their practice, actions and lives. It is important for us to remember what they are unable to forget.

I have a lot of feelings and anger about the treatment of trans people but as a cis-gendered person what I have to say isn’t that important and my thoughts on this aren’t that organized. I will offer some websites and links that may be useful to you if you work with transgender youth or adults in your personal or professional life. This is just a small sample of the information and resources out there but they are good places to start.

Trans Day of Remembrance Site: http://www.transgenderdor.org

The Trevor Project: www.trevorproject.org                                                                              A national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.

List of links from National Association of Social Workers Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues: http://www.socialworkers.org/diversity/new/lgbt.asp

Transgender Law Center: http://transgenderlawcenter.org                                          Transgender Law Center works to change law, policy, and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression.

The National Center for Transgender Equality: http://www.transequality.org                        A social justice organization dedicated to advancing the equality of transgender people through advocacy, collaboration and empowerment.

Lambda Legal: www.lambdalegal.org                                                                         – Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.