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Writer's pictureAshley Craig

The History of Transgender Awareness Month in the United States

Transgender Awareness Month is an annual celebration that takes place each November in the United States, aiming to elevate the voices and experiences of transgender and gender non-conforming people. It serves as a time for advocacy, education, and remembrance of those who have faced discrimination and violence because of their gender identity. The month culminates in the observance of Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) on November 20th, a solemn day dedicated to honoring those who lost their lives to anti-transgender violence. This post explores the origins and significance of Transgender Awareness Month and its role in fostering greater understanding and inclusion within society. Our very own Simone Kraus has spent years at this point advocating for the official adoption of NJ Bill AJR113, which would designate November of each year as "Transgender Awareness Month" in New Jersey. Read more about the history of the month, as well as its importance and significance and how YOU can help in lobbying for this bill.


Origins and Early Advocacy

The concept of dedicating a time to raise awareness for transgender issues dates back to the late 1990s. The groundwork for Transgender Awareness Month began with the establishment of the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith, a transgender advocate. TDOR was initially organized in response to the murder of Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman, in Massachusetts. Hester's death, along with the lack of media coverage and sensitivity surrounding her murder, sparked outrage and a call for greater visibility of the violence faced by transgender people.


The first TDOR event was a vigil held in San Francisco, honoring Hester and other transgender individuals whose lives had been cut short. This event soon spread to cities around the United States and eventually to international locations. The message was clear: the world needed to recognize and remember the systemic violence and discrimination that transgender people endure.


Expanding the Focus: Transgender Awareness Week

As awareness of transgender issues grew, the community and allies recognized the importance of broadening the focus beyond a single day of remembrance. This led to the creation of Transgender Awareness Week, which takes place from November 13th to November 19th each year. The week aims to bring attention to the stories, struggles, and contributions of transgender people through a range of activities, including educational events, community discussions, and artistic expressions.


Transgender Awareness Week serves as a platform for raising visibility and educating the public about the challenges faced by transgender people, such as discrimination in employment, housing, healthcare, and access to public spaces. It also focuses on celebrating transgender identities, creating a more inclusive society, and fostering a sense of community among those who identify as transgender or gender non-conforming.


The Birth of Transgender Awareness Month

While Transgender Awareness Week has become widely recognized, many advocates saw the need for even greater emphasis on these important conversations. As a result, November was unofficially adopted as Transgender Awareness Month. Throughout the month, activists, community organizations, and allies work together to amplify the voices of transgender people, address misconceptions, and promote legislative and social changes.


The extended focus allows for a deeper exploration of issues, including the history of transgender activism in the United States, the intersection of race and gender identity, and the experiences of transgender youth and elders. Transgender Awareness Month also serves as an opportunity to uplift the successes and resilience of the transgender community, challenging stereotypes and promoting positive representation.


Significance and Impact

Transgender Awareness Month plays a crucial role in shaping public perception and policy regarding transgender rights in the United States. It has helped to build a broader coalition of allies and has influenced the inclusion of transgender issues in legislative and educational discussions. Notably, the month has also been a time when major political figures, celebrities, and media outlets have started to recognize and participate in raising awareness about the struggles and achievements of transgender individuals.


During the month, many organizations host workshops, panel discussions, and media campaigns focused on themes such as the importance of gender-affirming healthcare, protections against discrimination, and the need for comprehensive policies that safeguard transgender rights. These efforts have contributed to a growing acceptance of transgender people within broader society and have inspired a new generation of activists to continue the fight for equality.


Looking Forward: Challenges and Progress

While Transgender Awareness Month has made significant strides in promoting visibility and understanding, challenges remain. Anti-transgender legislation, healthcare disparities, and violence continue to threaten the well-being of many in the community. The rise of social media has also made misinformation and targeted harassment more prevalent. Yet, with each passing year, the resilience and solidarity displayed during Transgender Awareness Month provide hope for a more inclusive and equitable future.


Transgender Awareness Month is a reminder of the power of visibility, education, and remembrance. It is a time to honor the struggles of the past, celebrate the achievements of the present, and work towards a world where transgender people can live freely and authentically without fear of discrimination or violence.


What You Can Do to Help

Proclaiming November as "Transgender Awareness Month is vital for the transgender community in New Jersey and beyond considering the epic lack of understanding and awareness regarding the trans community.


Simone has been writing letters and speaking with legislators since early summer 2023. Now it is our turn. Copy and paste the below message and send it to your local legislators. There is crucial power in numbers. We need each other now more than ever.


Subject: Please Proclaim November "Transgender Awareness Month"


"To whom this may concern,


My name is [enter your name], and I am writing to implore you to consider proclaiming November as Transgender Awareness Month. 


Governor Hochul of New York State issued a proclamation declaring November "Transgender Awareness Month'', last year, and has done it again for 2023. 


As friends, family members, supporters, allies, and members of the non-binary and transgender community, we feel that the face of hatred, violence, and legislation that is fervently trying to erase our existence, must be met with compassion, love, awareness, and visibility. You, Mr. Governor, have the ability to help us with that. 


There are currently eight, specific, anti-transgender bills that have been introduced into the New Jersey Legislature that affect education, sports, and healthcare. These bills include NJ A1418, NJA1630, NJ A3883, NJ A4042, NJ S2648, NJ S3076, NJ S585, and NJS589. 


According to GLSEN, 29% of the transgender community lives in poverty. 74% of transgender youth report verbal harassment at school because of their gender identity and expression. 55% of transgender youth report physical attacks based on their gender identity and expression. 


The National Library of Medicine released data in 2022 that showed that 82% of Transgender Humans thought about suicide and around 40% of that population have attempted suicide. 


It is imperative, especially in today’s political climate, that a month is designated to show compassion, acceptance, protection, awareness, and visibility to the Transgender and Non-Binary Community. 


Our existence is under attack. Please consider taking another stand in support of the LGBTQ+ Community, by proclaiming November as “Transgender Awareness Month” here in the State of New Jersey which will only continue your legacy of standing up for those who voices are being drowned out by hate and violence, so we may continue safe and productive lives as our true selves.


Thank you,

[Enter your name]


We Take the Streets at Midnight,

Ashley



References:

  • Smith, G. A. (1999). The Origins of Transgender Day of Remembrance. [Link to more information on TDOR].

  • National Center for Transgender Equality. (n.d.). Transgender Awareness Month Overview. [Link to official page].

  • Human Rights Campaign. (n.d.). Transgender Awareness Week and Day of Remembrance.


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