Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day when we remember those transgender or gender diverse people who have died because of who they are, whether through violence, suicide or medical inequality
It is estimated that at least 409 people across the world are known to have died because they were transgender or gender diverse. The youngest was just 15, the oldest 79. That is just those who are known. Countless others have been on the receiving end of violence and abuse, have been made to feel worthless and afraid.
The church is not blameless; the church has added to the transphobia which causes this violence and abuse, these murders, these suicides, these medical inequalities. I am not saying that this parish has done so, I am not accusing any one individual church, and there are hugely welcoming and affirming churches across the world. But the church as a whole has not been like this, the church continues to discriminate and preach against those who do not fit gender ‘norms’.
There are two videos here. The first is a video here is a quiet and sad reflection about these terrible facts and a call for us to see where we can bring about a change.
The second is a deeply moving and sombre service, produced by Open Table Network
For a list of those lost this year, together with some of their stories, visit https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/re… To respond to the latest consultation about the rights of trans and non-binary people in the UK, visit https://committees.parliament.uk/work…
Here in the Parish of Badshot Lea and Hale we stand with our transgender and gender non-conforming siblings, all of us beloved by God. And we are sorry for when we have failed you.
The Parish of Badshot Lea and Hale 
Thank you so much.I have found these 2 videos commemorating TDoR to be incredibly sad but also very hopeful of change for the better. I wish to thank Sarah, Alex, Christie, Amy and Lee and all at Open Table for their sterling efforts in making these very honest and moving online services and for all they do to support Trans folk the world over. The light of Christ shines in the darkness of the atrocious treatment of so many Trans people and the TDoR service reminded us of that light and of the fervent hope, shared by me and so many others, that, with God’s help, all of God’s children will one day be free to openly be who they feel themselves to be and to be safe, secure, nurtured, respected and valued, wherever God has placed them in the world. May rest eternal be granted to all who have died this year and in the past and may light perpetual shine upon them. Amen.
Thank you Wendy.