Transgender people and their supporters are holding events around the world today (November 20) to honour those who have been killed as a result of prejudice and hate against people who transgress society’s gender norms.

In Vancouver, a march will take place this evening to mark the 11th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Participants will gather at the Carnegie Centre at Main and Hastings streets at 7:15 p.m. for the march, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m.

The march will follow Hastings Street to Simon Fraser University’s Harbour Centre campus, where a memorial service and candlelight vigil will start around 8:15 p.m.

The memorial service, which will take place in Room 1900 (Fletcher Challenge Canada Theatre), will feature guest speakers and will end by 10 p.m.

In Victoria, a rally will be held today at Fernwood Square, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

According to the Transgender Day of Remembrance Web site, the annual event is held this month to honour Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was murdered on November 28, 1998, in Boston.

“It raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people, an action that current media doesn’t perform,” the site states. “Day of Remembrance publicly mourns and honors the lives of our brothers and sisters who might otherwise be forgotten. Through the vigil, we express love and respect for our people in the face of national indifference and hatred. Day of Remembrance reminds non-transgender people that we are their sons, daughters, parents, friends and lovers. Day of Remembrance gives our allies a chance to step forward with us and stand in vigil, memorializing those of us who’ve died by anti-transgender violence.”

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