Today is "Transgender Day of Remembrance"

    Thursday, 20 November 2025 06:00

    By Tonya Organ

    The day started in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honour the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who had been killed the year before.

    This is Transgender Day of Remembrance, an annual event to honour the memory of transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. The day started in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honour the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who had been killed the year before. Smith is  quoted as saying, “With so many seeking to erase transgender people–sometimes in the most brutal ways possible–it is vitally important that those we lose are remembered, and that we fight for justice.”  

    Quinn Jesso is with the Corner Brook-Bay of Islands Pride Committee. She says we are all part of the same community and transgender violence is here but people are not talking about it. Jesso says as much as people come forward there is still a lot of work to do as a community. Jesso says feeling safe always depends on the circle she is in at the time. 

     

    To report an error, submit a news tip, or provide feedback, please e-mail news@bayfm.ca or call (709) 637-0183.

    More from Local News

     

     

     

    BayFM recognizes support from the following agencies:

                        

    Today's Weather

    • Corner Brook

      Sunny intervals

      High: -4°C | Low: -11°C

    • Deer Lake

      Sunny intervals

      High: -3°C | Low: -15°C

    • Stephenville

      Sunny intervals

      High: -3°C | Low: -9°C

    Recently Played

    Podcasts

    • BayFM On-Demand

      Trash Talk Thursday, February 5, 2026

      Topics of conversation on this week's show include gift cards, ceramics, batteries, and more!

    • Center Stage with Stella

      "Center Stage with Stella", Feb 4 , 2026 (First show)

      Geri and Phil from The Once join Stella for her first show

    • The Plain Truth

      The Plain Truth, Wednesday February 4, 2026

      February is Violence Prevention Month