Fall River Pride Committee announces week of events in recognition of Transgender Day of Remembrance

Fall River, Mass. – The Fall River Pride Committee has announced a week of programming and community observances in recognition of the Transgender Day of Remembrance. These events are designed to honor the memory of transgender individuals whose lives have been lost to violence, while also uplifting trans voices, creativity, and resilience within the community.

Observed annually on November 20th, Transgender Day of Remembrance was first founded in 1999 by trans advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor Rita Hester, a transgender woman killed in Massachusetts. Since then, TDOR has grown into a worldwide movement of reflection, remembrance, and resistance. Each year, it calls attention to the ongoing violence faced by transgender and gender-nonconforming people, while also reminding communities of the importance of love, inclusion, and solidarity.

“We are living in a world where trans people are being woefully misunderstood and purposefully misrepresented,” says the Fall River Pride Committee’s President Sean Connell, “Trans people have always existed throughout history and they always will. Unfortunately, violence towards gender diverse people continues today and that’s why the Fall River Pride Committee is honored to once again carry on the tradition of Transgender Day of Remembrance. We need to come together in the name of compassion and understanding. We need to stand against ignorance, hatred, and prejudice wherever they show up. United by our shared love and common humanity, we will honor those who we have lost and celebrate all of those who are still daring to live out loud despite all odds against them.”

This year’s commemorations in Fall River include the following events and opportunities for participation:

Art Exhibit at City Hall Atrium – November 13–21

A special art exhibition will be on display in the City Hall Atrium from November 13th through November 21st. The exhibit will feature works created by local artists that reflect themes of remembrance, resilience, and transgender identity. Deadline for submissions: November 6th. Artwork may be delivered to the Church of the Holy Spirit (Rock Street) on Tuesdays through Thursdays between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Artists who need to arrange an alternate time for drop-off may contact rector@holyspiritchurchfr.org to coordinate accommodations.

Friday, November 14th from 5:00PM to 6:30PM

At the City Hall Atrium, the City of Fall River will collaborate with the Fall River Pride Committee for Transgender Day of Remembrance. Mayor Paul Coogan will present a proclamation, and there will also be speakers from Fall River’s LGBTQ+ community.

Transgender Day of Remembrance Service – November 20, 7:00 PM

On Monday, November 20th, the Church of the Holy Spirit on Rock Street will host a solemn Transgender Day of Remembrance Service beginning at 7:00 PM, immediately following a brief Fall River Pride Committee general meeting at 6:30 PM. The service will include readings of the names of trans individuals lost in the past year, as well as moments of reflection, prayer, and community support.

Father James Medley of the Church of the Holy Spirit will lead the service alongside members of the Pride Committee. “Church of the Holy Spirit will have a service for Trans Day of Remembrance on November 20th,” Father Medley said, “We do this in support of our Transgender beloveds of God. The Episcopal Church believes that God makes our Transgender siblings exactly the way they should be. We mourn our Trans siblings who have died simply for being whom God made them to be and call for all people to understand that Jesus never condemned our beloveds in the LGBTQIA+ community, including our Trans siblings.”

The Fall River Pride Committee invites all community members, faith leaders, allies, and advocates to join in these important observances.

“Together, we honor those who are no longer with us while working toward a future where transgender people can thrive free from fear and violence.”

For more information about The Fall River Pride Committee, contact Myles Lowery at (508) 728-8297, or email fallriverpridecommittee@gmail.com. More info about FRPC can be found on its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FallRiverPrideco/.