Today is the annual Transgender Day of Remebrance....

So far for 2013 .... there have been 238 cases of trans persons being murdered.... just for being who they are.... nothing more...

Those are just the reported cases ......

20 years of age and under ...... 22 murdered so far this year.... half of which were under 18 years of age....

Macaiba Brazil .... 13 year old girl

Ibipora Brazil .... 14 year old girl

Jamacia ..... 16 year old girl .... kicked out of her home July 14th...

This is a very sad and troubling story currently underway in the United States.

http://www.transadvocate.com/what-happens-when-pji-is-confronted-by-parents.htm

Please have a look at this article for content and context.

A young transgender student is charged with harassment and other nasty things by a group that claims to represent other students and parents.   It ends up just one...

Some good news out of California on the transgender rights front:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/california-governor-signs-bill-letting-transgender-students-choose-restrooms/article13714799/

CBC Radio One in Sudbury has presented a series called TransNorth that airs everyday this week.

This series is about transgender persons in Northern Ontario.

I would imagine and hope that it would also be applicable for most non metropolitan areas in Canada.

If you are interested you can go to the following CBC website and listen to the various segments.

http://www.cbc.ca/sudbury/features/transnorth/

I helped with the segment regarding public washrooms LOL .... go figure!!!

All transgender* people in The United Church of Canada

and all Allies of transgender people

are invited to become a part of the new and growing

UCC TRANS NETWORK!

[* anyone whose perceived gender or assigned sex conflicts with their gender identity]

All transgender* people in The United Church of Canada are invited to become a part of the new Trans Network! (* Trans:  anyone whose perceived gender or assigned sex conflicts with their gender identity)

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending this service @ First Unitarian Congregation of Waterloo.   Here is the sermon by the Reverend Jessica Purple Rodela. She speaks of standing up against LGBTQ bullying, and remembers those who have taken their own lives.  In my opinion, definitely worth a watch, and to share with your friends.

When Rainbows Fade: Standing Up Against LGBTQ Bullying 

Love and Peace,

Mark Andrew Alward

Rainbow Camp for LGBTQ & Allied Youth ages 13-17

Professional Development Conference
May 15^th – 16^th, 2012
Algoma’s Water Tower Inn & Suites, Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Welcome Friend Association Inc.

76 Dawson St., P.O. Box 242

Thessalon, ON   P0R 1L0