Mainers gather to mark Transgender Day of Remembrance
By Kerry Brookes
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SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (WMTW) — Mainers gathering today to mark the National Transgender Day of Remembrance.
All were welcome at the candlelight vigil held at the Thornton Heights United Methodist Church to remember those in our state who have been targeted or have suffered due to their gender identity or expression.
The Human Rights Campaign has recorded that at least 32 transgender and gender non-conforming people have been killed in the United States this year.
Those who gathered in Maine hoped to honor those lost and rally for positive change, particularly in the wake of the shooting at an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs Saturday night.
Five people died in the shooting, which is being investigated as a possible hate crime.
Pastor Gwenyth Arrison at the Thornton Heights United Methodist Church, says that even though the shooting was carried out several states away, the loss of those five people hits home.
“We feel even more strongly that we need this kind of statement of justice and hope for the community,” she said.
This week, Maine’s U.S. Attorney Darcie McElwee reaffirmed her office’s commitment to “bring attention to the threats and harassment transgender people face – including here in Maine- and to acknowledge those who have been victimized simply for being who they are.”
McElwee went on to acknowledge the “feeling of mistrust” among trans and other members of the LGBTQ+ community may have towards law enforcement.
“I understand and acknowledge the root causes of that wariness. I want all Mainers to feel seen, heard and respected in their interactions with law enforcement and to feel safe to report when they are the victim of crime,” her statement continued.
Mainers who are transgender or gender non-conforming can find help and connect with local support through the Maine Trans Net.
Support by phone is available 24/7 at the Transgender Crisis Line at 877-565-8860.
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