Salt Lake Transgender Day of Rememberance service will feature designer of the Trans Pride flag.
Small Lake City
By Cat Palmer
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Dallas Rivas from The Glitter Foundation to discuss the significance of Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR). This important observance was initiated in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who tragically lost her life in 1998. That vigil not only commemorated Rita but all transgender individuals who have lost their lives to violence since then, establishing a profound tradition that continues with the annual TDoR.
It's worth noting that the Trans Pride flag was designed by Monica Helms in 1999, symbolizing diversity and inclusivity within the transgender community. The Glitter Foundation will be setting up a TDoR Memorial beginning Saturday, November 16th, at the Salt Lake City and County Building on Washington Square.
On November 20, Salt Lake's official Transgender Day of Remembrance service will take place downtown at Church & State, located at 370 S. 300 East, starting at 6 p.m. Attendees are invited to arrive at 5 p.m. to socialize and have the chance to meet Monica Helms, the creator of the Trans flag.
Following the service, participants will gather at Washington Square for a candlelight vigil, where they will place a candle beneath each flag, representing a life lost to violence. This year, they will mourn more than 400 lives taken worldwide.
When reflecting on what TDoR means to him, Rivas said: "Transgender Day of Remembrance is a time to honor all the lives lost due to violence and hate, whether through violent acts or suicide. I hold a special place in my heart for those individuals who were never named, who went unrecognized, or were forgotten by their families. These beautiful souls lived authentically and deserve to be remembered."
In light of the current political climate, I asked Rivas what message he would like to convey to the community reading this. "Please stand up for trans people," he said. "Embrace the opportunity to learn about trans issues and, above all, be kind."
More than ever, we need to stand together in solidarity with the transgender community, honoring the lives lost and supporting those who continue to face challenges and discrimination. Together, we can foster a future where everyone is free to live authentically without fear.
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