FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE on 11/20
Miliana Singh, Health Care and Trans Services Coordinator
714-953-5428 x 338
miliana.singh@lgbtcenteroc.org
Stephanie Camacho-Van Dyke, Director of Advocacy and Education
714-953-5428 x 205
stephanie.vandyke@lgbtcenteroc.org
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SANTA ANA, Calif.—
On Saturday, November 16th, 2019, the LGBTQ Center OC participated in an early observation of Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), an annual observance that commemorates transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. The event, which had 75 people in attendance, hosted a candlelight vigil and invited Blossom C. Brown as the evening’s keynote speaker.
The LGBTQ Center OC recognizes at least 24 trans women of color have been predominantly affected by violence this year.
Alicia Simmons 37
Maurice Willoughby 20
Nyomi Giselle Taylor 32
Dana Martin 31
Ellie Marie Washtock 38
Faye “Morena Black “
Jazzaline Ware
Ashanti Carmon 27
Claire Legato 21
Muhlaysia Booker 23
Michelle Simone Washington “Tamika” 40
Paris Cameron 20
Titi Gulley 31
Johana Medina Leon “Joa”25
Chyna Lindsey 26
Austin Smith 19
Chanel Scurlock 23
Layleen Cubilette Polanco Xtravaganza 24
Zoe Spears 23
Brooklyn Lindsey 32
Cecelia Cranko 48
Denali Berries Stuckey 29
Bubba Walker 54
Tracey Single 22
Kiki Fantroy 21
Jordan Cofer 22
Pebbles LaDime Doe 24
Keyiariah Quick 25
Bee Love Slater 21
Bailey Reeves 17
Andrew Elijah Martinez 19
Ja’leyah- Jamar
Elisha Channel Stanley ” Elisha Diamond” 46
Itali Marlowe 29
Dymun Dupree
Corbin Ray Bach
Christine Zephier
Daphne Dorman
Brianna “BB” Hill 30
Katya De Riva
Zoraida Reyes
Maurice Willoughby 20
Nyomi Giselle Taylor – 32
The LGBTQ Center OC is dedicated to uplifting the voices and lives of the trans community, especially trans youth and people of color. The innocent lives lost are a reminder as to why we need to advocate for the betterment of trans lives and why education on trans lives are imperative. Normalizing the fact that trans people have a right to the same protections and respect as the cisgender community will foster change to eradicate the senseless murders of our community members. Access to affirming care, programs, and services will not only strengthen the trans community but will empower those who are gaining their voice, such as trans and gender non-conforming youth.
Trans and gender non-conforming youth should have the ability to learn and thrive in a safe and supportive school environment, and not feel unsafe or ostracized from their peers. Reports demonstrate that transgender and gender non-conforming students are more likely to experience higher rates of discrimination and harassment, such as being prohibited from participating on sports teams, having equal access to locker rooms, and/or using bathroom facilities that correlate with their gender identity. Even though California is one of the more progressive states across the country—where there are laws such as Safe Schools and Success Act (2013, AB-1266) and Updating Transgender Students’ Academic Records (2019, AB-711) that support trans students—we must continue to advocate for proper implementation and education of these laws in Orange County public schools.
As a community, we must continue to evaluate school policies, procedures, and practices to ensure they are non-discriminatory and inclusive of trans student identities. More importantly, we must continue to show up and support our trans students in all capacities, providing access and establishing appropriate community resources and services that are respectful and inclusive.
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the beautiful souls that we honored this year. We continue to work towards a future where we no longer have to hold space for trans lives that have been taken due to violence.
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