Vigil to be held outside Scottish Parliament as LGBTQ+ groups mark Trans Day of Remembrance

LGBTQ+ groups will stage a vigil outside the Scottish Parliament on Monday following events to mark Trans Day of Remembrance.

The day, marked on November 20, aims to ensure transgender people who have lost their lives around the world are remembered and honoured.

The ‘Mourn the Dead’ vigil will be held on Monday, November 21, and also include a protest calling for better protections for trans people in Scotland and across the world.

The vigil, being held from 2pm until 5pm, takes place outside the Scottish Parliament building on Horse Wynd in Edinburgh.

In a statement event organisers said: “We need to take up space, to remember and grieve for the trans people around the world who have been killed both by direct transphobic violence, as well as the more indirect transphobic violence, enacted through systemic discrimination and policies that intentionally make it impossible for trans people to survive.

“We also need to take time to remember and mourn those we have lost to suicide as a result of the discrimination, harassment, bullying, and ostracism they faced when they were alive.”

The global remembrance day on November 20 was marked by charities including suicide prevention organisation Samaritans, LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall and political parties as well as public bodies including the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

In a statement, the SFRS said: “We support our trans, non-binary and gender diverse employees on Trans Day of Remembrance, as lives continue to be blighted by hate, prejudice and discrimination, and reflect with the wider community on those who have lost their lives just because of who they are.”

It’s Trans Day of Remembrance today, which can be a difficult and upsetting time. We know social media in particular can be a tough place to be for trans and non-binary people & their loved ones, especially on days like today.

We’re here to listen and stand alongside you (1/3) pic.twitter.com/S5msU4lqb4
— Samaritans (@samaritans) November 20, 2022

Campaigners are also calling for the progression of the Gender Recognition Reform Bill (Scotland) which aims to decrease waiting periods to obtain a gender recognition certificate (GRC), and also lowers the age for obtaining one from 18 to 16.

Trans activist and human rights groups say the bill would improve the rights of trans people and help them to access support in shorter time periods.

Events also took place in other parts of Scotland including a vigil held at Dundee University, organised by Dundee Pride.

Organisers said: “Transgender days of remembrance seeks to highlight the bigotry and violence transgender people face daily just for being their authentic selves. With many seeking to erase transgender people from different areas of life, it is vital that we continue to fight for our trans community across the city.”

The event was attended by a range of organisations including the Women’s Rape And Sexual Abuse Centre, Terrence Higgins Trust, University of Dundee Staff and Postgrad LGBT+ Network, DUSA, and DULGBT+ Society.