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Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), which takes place yearly on November 20th. We honour and remember the transgender, two-spirit, and gender-diverse individuals who lost their lives this year to transphobic violence. 

Transgender Day of Remembrance itself was first observed in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honour the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence since Rita Hester’s death and began an important tradition that has become the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Community Resources

As we observe Transgender Day of Remembrance, whether you feel like you could use an extra support system or are an ally wondering what’s available in the Calgary area, check out some of these free resources:

Organization: Skipping Stone’s Trans Affirming Network
About: A collection of local and inclusive businesses in Calgary compiled by Skipping Stone for Transgender and diverse folks, ranging from voice classes to surgery support groups.
Location: Online and in-person, depending on the programs.

Organization: End Of The Rainbow Foundation
About: Various drop-in support programs for Transgender individuals, allies, and families.
Location: Online and in-person, depending on the programs.

Organization: Calgary Outlink Groups
About: Simultaneous in-person and online events structured around building community and creating a safe space for anyone a part of 2SLGBTQ+ and allies.
Location: Online and in-person, depending on the programs.

Organization: See Change Collective
About: An organization that aims to relieve post-secondary students of the financial burden of navigating major life changes. They partner with various parts of the community to provide education and support for legal name changes so students can see it on their degree, resources to access gender-affirming gear and clothes, and guidance for various topics within the community. 
Location: Online at seechangecollective.ca

Organization: Centre for Sexuality
About: Informative sessions and breakdowns for anyone looking to learn more about transgender acceptance, programs, and support networks.
Location: Online and in-person, depending on the programs.

Organization: Trans Wellness Initiative
About: An online sheet for navigating the health care system and how to support yourself if you have transitioned or are preparing to transition.
Location: Find the form online here.

Organization: Native Youth Sexual Health Network 
About: A comprehensive booklet for Indigiqueer, Two-Spirit, LGBTQ+ and Gender Non-Conforming Indigenous Youth. 
Location: Find the form online here.

Organization: Shapeshifters
About: Custom and handmade gender-affirming gear.
Location: Online at shapeshifters.co

Organization: Alberta Health Services
About: Funding for Transition Surgeries in Alberta
Location: Find the form here.

If you are looking for additional support or resources, visit the Pride Centre in room Z211 or email pridecentre@samru.ca.

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For general inquiries or suggestions, you can message us at info@samru.ca.