Minnesota observes Transgender Day of Remembrance

The LQBTQ+ community is marking Transgender Day of Remembrance on Sunday by honoring transgender and gender-nonconforming people killed by violence.

“We deserve a right to live free of the fear of violence and we are again remembering today that we are not free of that fear,” Leigh Finke, Minnesota House of Representatives seat 66A, said.

Finke said fearing what could happen is a part of life as a trans woman.

“We just have to be aware of our surroundings and what we’re doing and how we are interacting and who we’re surrounding ourselves with,” Finke said.

Finke is the first trans state legislator in Minnesota.

She said the trans community is still fighting for their safety and Nov. 20 honors those who lost the battle.

Last week, the Minneapolis City Council announced an honorary resolution observing Transgender Day of Remembrance to pay tribute to those who lost their lives to violence or discrimination.

Studies show trans women of color are killed at a disproportionate rate.

“I feel unsafe going into public bathrooms. I feel unsafe going into public facilities. It really is a very tenuous moment in our society right now,” Andrea Jenkins, Minneapolis City Council president, said. Jenkins made history in 2017 as the first Black openly trans woman to be elected to office in the country.

Jenkins said Transgender Day of Remembrance also raises awareness about the lack of resources the trans community faces in housing, healthcare and employment.

Both Jenkins and Finke agree the journey is tough, but the resiliency of the community is stronger.