TRANS AWARENESS WEEK NOV 13-19 2023

TRANS AWARENESS WEEK NOV 13-19 2023

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The first week of November typically begins with third parties hosting events at venues (including online venues) surrounding a main central venue, followed the second week by more venues at the main area showcasing more and more in-depth events. The purpose of Transgender Awareness Week is to educate about transgender and gender non-conforming people and the issues associated with their transition or identity.

There have been many pivotal historical moments that relate to transgender advocacy.

• 1999: The murder of PFC Barry Winchell for dating a trans-woman Calpernia Addams.
• 1999: The first observance of International Transgender Day of Remembrance to commemorate victims of anti-transgender hate crimes, observed on November 20.
• 2002: Transgender Law Center founded – aimed to alter laws and opinions regarding transgender people so they could live a life without discrimination based on gender identity.
• 2002: Sylvia Rivera Law Project founded – provides legal and educational services and works towards altering policies.
• 2003: National Center for Transgender Equality founded – founded to progress the equality of transgender people through advocacy, collaboration, and empowerment.
• 2009: The first observance of International Transgender Day of Visibility - This day was created by Michigan transgender activist Rachel Crandall to serve as a positive counterpart to Transgender Day of Remembrance, it is celebrated living trans people and raises awareness to transgender issues, observed on November 20.
• 2010: Gender Health Center, Sacramento, California, United States of America opened its doors.
• 2012: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission declares transgender people protected against employment discrimination because of violations to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

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Participants in Transgender Awareness Week are encouraged to organize events that serve as educational opportunities to the community. One possible event is the screening of a trans-themed movie, such as the film Paris is Burning, which highlights gay and transgender ball culture in New York City. Another educational event is the personal testimonies of local transgender people and the issues they face because of their gender identity. "I AM: Trans People Speak" is a collection of videos regarding transgender people's personal testimonies that could be shown in place of a live testimony. ​​ Other events have revolved around the discussion of trans-themed books or the observation of a trans-themed art show or performance.

In San Francisco, Transgender Awareness Week was expanded to cover the entire month of November starting in 2018 by Mayor London Breed and Clair Farley, director of the city's Office of Transgender Initiatives. In November 2019, each member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors gave a commendation to a member of the trans community.

Trans people face many issues within their community that cause them to feel like they are in danger and are unsafe. A survey found that 50% of trans people report having been raped or assaulted by a romantic partner. Trans people have been murdered simply for being trans. , in addition to their loved ones and/or friends because of being involved with them. Some trans women were arrested for fighting back against their attacker. Trans people and supporters formally united with one another and took stands against discrimination towards trans people by holding protests. ​Transgender Awareness Week was established in response to these killings and imprisonments in order to highlight the challenges faced by trans people.