By Hayley Ferguson

Candlelight vigil to be held for Transgender Day of Remembrance in Medicine Hat

Nov 21, 2019 | 10:52 AM

Medicine Hat, AB – According to the Canadian Human Rights Commission, 70 per cent of Canadian transgender-youth have experienced discrimination.

While 36 per cent have reported being physically threatened or injured at school.

That’s why people across the world are observing Transgender Day of Remembrance, including in Medicine Hat.

Project Rainbow will be hosting a candlelight vigil on Wednesday at Veterans Park at 7 p.m..

There will be a brief speech, the lighting of the candles, and a reading of the names lost.

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“It’s a chance to give our community a time to remember, honour, and grieve the deaths of our trans siblings that have been lost to transphobic violence. And to suicide as well, being a sort of indirect result of the transphobia we’re seeing in our society,” Project Rainbow’s Caelan Hart said.

Hart says that the vigil is also a chance for those facing discrimination or feeling alone to see that may not be the case.

“The trans and gender diverse community really lacks is a sense of belonging. And a sense that somebody kind of has your back,” he said. “So days like this are our chance to get together and kind of remind each other within our community that we’re all here each other but also for allies to come out and show their support and say ‘hey there is somebody out here fighting for you,’”

Hart is hopeful to see more allies at the vigil and different events they host.

“People hear the statics, they see the images on the news, and they aren’t sure to help. I want to send the message to the community that just by speaking up against transphobia wherever you see or hear it is the best place to start,” he continued. “Just get involved with the community, come talk to us. Project Rainbow is always looking for volunteers and board members. Together we can make Medicine Hat a safer and more comfortable place for queer people, for trans people, and for everybody across the 2slgbtq+ community.”

Candles for the vigil will be provided by the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society.”