NORTH GRENVILLE, ON – Mayor Nancy Peckford issued the following statement on behalf of Council to mark Transgender Day of Remembrance:

On behalf of the Municipality of North Grenville and Members of Council, we join with residents to mark Transgender Day of Remembrance – an annual observance to remember and honour the memory of transgender people whose lives were tragically lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.

November 20th was originally created as a vigil to honour Rita Hester, a transgender woman killed in 1998.

Transgender people are disproportionately affected by hate violence, and unfortunately there has been an increase in violence against transgender people reported across the country.

Today is a day we can collectively learn more about violence affecting the transgender community. We all benefit from a culture that affirms everyone’s lived experiences and identities – and we all have a role in creating a supportive culture and community.

North Grenville is well known for being an exceptionally caring and compassionate place, and declaring Pride Month and flying the Progress Flag, which includes colours of the Transgender Pride Flag, is one way we acknowledge and reflect our community’s commitment to diversity.

Council is proud to work alongside local groups, NG Pride and North Grenville Rainbow Youth Alliance, both of which advocate for the local 2SLGBTQI+ community and help to provide a safe space.

We all have the right to belong, no matter our gender or sexual identity.