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Isle of Man to mark Transgender Day of Remembrance

Candlelit vigil to take place on Douglas Promenade

People on the Isle of Man will hold a vigil this evening (19 November) in memory of those who have died due to transphobic attacks, suicide, and lack of medical care.

It comes ahead of Transgender Day of Remembrance which takes place across the world tomorrow (20 November).

Now in its 25th year the day was started by advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil for Rita Hester - a transgender woman killed in 1998.

The Island's ceremony, outside The Sefton Hotel in Douglas, will feature a two-minute silence and bring together those affected with charities offering support to the transgender community.

Organiser Kai Varetto told Manx Radio it's positive that more people are feeling safe and supported to be themselves:

The vigil begins at 7.15pm on Harris Promenade; people are invited to come together beforehand to receive a candle and flag if they wish, photos can also be displayed. 

The silence will commemorate ‘lives lost, those under threat and the hope and resilience to continue towards a more understood, better access to care and educational future’ for people who are trans, non-binary or in anyway gender diverse.

 

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