In a landmark moment for Kansas City, on Nov. 20, the city officially recognized and sponsored a Trans Day of Remembrance, an annual event celebrated nationally since 1998 to honor the memory of transgender people whose lives were lost to acts of anti-transgender violence and suicide.
The ceremony was hosted by Merrique Jenson, the executive director of Transformations — an organization focused on helping trans women of color. Three trans women of color, Kym Walton, Tre’Shawn Roberts, and Kelly Nou, were featured presenters, with each sharing their experiences being trans in the Kansas City community.
The gathered crowd of almost 100 included a diverse range of transgender figures and advocates from across the metro area.
“This day is really special to me because I almost wasn’t here to see it,” said Kym Walton as she held back tears, recounting how she was shot and left for dead in the street in 2011.
A list of more than 70 names of transgender people lost over the past year in the U.S. was read while attendees held candles to honor them. According to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, since 2013 more than 300 transgender and nonbinary people have been victims of fatal violence. Two-thirds (63%) of those victims have been Black transgender women.
“No one should be murdered for expressing their identity,” said Tre’Shawn Roberts. “We are all human and deserve to live our lives free of violence and discrimination; we deserve respect just like the next human with a heartbeat.”
Tre’Shawn Roberts
City leaders, including Mayor Quinton Lucas and 6th District Councilman Johnathan Duncan, provided opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Trans Day of Remembrance.
“We look forward perhaps to a day where we don’t need to have a vigil of remembrance, but instead can celebrate the lives of all of those who make our city so special each day,” said Lucas.
“I think this is an important step forward for the city to formally recognize the day,” said Duncan. “For the mayor, city council members, and city staff to be here to work and to take the lead from trans leaders on what this day should be.”
Originally planned at Gillham Park, the vigil included unveiling plans for a transgender community garden, a collaborative effort between city officials and trans leaders. With the inclement weather, the vigil needed to move, and All Souls Unitarian Church leaders opened their doors to ensure the day proceeded smoothly.
