On Transgender Day of Remembrance, a special vigil on Maui honoured the lives of transgender individuals who have tragically lost their lives to violence.

This event served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the transgender community.

Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20th was commemorated with a special vigil on Maui, dedicated to remembering those in the transgender community who have fallen victim to violence.

According to the National Center for Transgender Equality, since November of 2022, 109 transgender individuals have died in the United States, with 53 of these deaths resulting from violence.

Danielle Bergan from Mental Health of America Hawaii reflected on the origins of this day, tracing back to 1998 when transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith held the first vigil in memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman murdered in Massachusetts.

Bergan stressed the importance of recognising the humanity of transgender individuals and the impact of these losses on the community.

The Maui vigil, which took placee at Kamaole I Beach Park, included a sunset flower ceremony and a reading of the names of transgender individuals who tragically died in 2023 at the hands of others.

Bergan hopes to raise awareness about the crimes against the transgender community and to foster a sense of solidarity and remembrance.

For those seeking more information or wishing to participate in similar events, details can be found on mentalhealthhawaii.org.