Transgender Day of Remembrance at The Center

By Gus Hernandez

As we gather on November 20th for this year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) at The San Diego LGBT Community Center, we are reminded of the power of unity and the importance of safe spaces. This year’s event resonates deeply in the current political climate, where anti-LGBTQ, anti-trans, and anti-drag sentiments are alarmingly prevalent.

Honoring Our Transgender Siblings
TDOR is a solemn occasion where we honor the memory of those whose lives were lost due to anti-transgender violence. It is a day of reflection, mourning, and solidarity. At The Center, we strive to create a space where everyone, regardless of their gender identity or expression, feels safe, valued, and supported. At TDOR, we’ll be honoring the legacies of our beloved trans and nonbinary community members who we lost this year by reading their names out loud. We will have musical performances by local trans and nonbinary talent. The event is free and all are welcome.

A Safe Space in Uncertain Times
The San Diego LGBT Community Center has always been a beacon of hope and a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community. In these uncertain times, our commitment to being YOUR Center is more crucial than ever. The rise in anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and legislation has created an environment of fear and uncertainty across the country, and even in our region we have seen spikes in hate crimes in Hillcrest this year. It is in these moments that our community’s resilience shines brightest.

Together We Stand Strong
When the LGBTQ+ community stands together, we amplify our voices and strengthen our resolve. Regardless of who is in the White House, our fight for rights and representation will continue unabated. We will not be silenced or marginalized.

The Importance of Representation
Representation matters. It is vital that our stories, struggles, and triumphs are visible and acknowledged. At The Center, we are committed to advocating for policies that protect and uplift the transgender community. We work tirelessly to ensure that our voices are heard in local, state, and national arenas. Our advocacy efforts are driven by the belief that everyone deserves to live authentically and without fear.

Community Support and Resources
The Center offers a wide range of resources and support services for the transgender community. From mental health counseling, name and gender marker change assistance, legal referrals, and support groups, we are here to help navigate the complexities of life as a transgender individual. Our programs are designed to empower and uplift, providing the tools needed to thrive in a world that can often be hostile.

Project TRANS: Transgender Referrals, Assistance, Networking and Services
Project TRANS at The Center is dedicated to supporting the transgender and nonbinary community. This program offers a variety of services tailored to meet the unique needs of transgender individuals. These include peer-led support groups, empowerment programs, and resources for navigating gender transition.

Some of the key offerings of Project TRANS include:

• The Femmpire: A peer-led empowerment group for trans women, trans femmes, and those questioning their gender identity. This supportive and non-judgmental group meets in person to connect, share, and be heard as their authentic selves.
• Transgender & Nonbinary Discussion Group: A safe space for trans men, trans women, and nonbinary individuals to discuss hormones, transitions, life, and resources.
• Trans Masculine Discussion Group: A virtual group for trans men, trans masc, and nonbinary individuals to talk about their experiences and support each other.
• Transgenero 2000: An inclusive Spanish-language discussion group for transgender individuals, the LGBTQ community, and their families and friends.
• Diamonds in the Rough: A therapist-led inclusive discussion group for trans women, focusing on hormones, transition, and life experiences.
• Gender Voice Studio: A program offering gender-affirmative voice services to help individuals shift their pitch or resonance to support their gender identity.
• Transgender & Nonbinary Coming Out Group: Come hang out with link-minded individuals in an open, inclusive, and safe space for people of color, trans, nonbinary, and queer folx!
• Transgender Elder Network: Join us in a space to connect older individuals in the transgender and nonbinary community and strengthen the bond between transgender and cisgender older adults. Care partners, friends, and LGB allies welcome.

Find our full list of support groups on our website at thecentersd.org/transgender-services-project-trans/ with more information on meeting dates and times.

Join Us
We invite you to join us on November 20th, from 5-7pm, for Transgender Day of Remembrance at The San Diego LGBT Community Center. Let us come together to honor those we have lost, celebrate our community’s strength, and reaffirm our commitment to fighting for justice and equity. Your presence is a powerful statement of solidarity and support.

In these times of uncertainty, remember that The Center is here for you. It is your safe space, your community, and together, we stand strong.