Continuous News

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Posted: Nov 17, 2012 3:55 PM by KXLF Media Center
Updated: Nov 17, 2012 4:26 PM

In the last year 265 individuals have died around the world for being transgender, according to Dawnne Woodie organizer for the memorial service in Anaconda for Transgender Day of Remembrance.

The 265 individuals will be remembered at a ceremony on Saturday at the United Methodist Church in Anaconda. Four speakers will discuss their life experiences as a transgender individual. A candle lighting ceremony will follow.

Woodie, who moved to Anaconda nearly two years ago, said she wanted to memorialize her transgender brothers and sisters that gave their lives to be their true selves. It was also an opportunity for her to educate the community.

"These people had never seen a transgender person until I walked into town for the most part," Woodie said. "They didn't know what to do with me and they didn't understand. And this is a way of educating the community and getting them to open their minds, and maybe accept not just me but others that might be different from the way they perceive themselves to be."

The service will begin at 6:30p.m. at the United Methodist Church, on the corner of Third and Oak streets in Anaconda.