TRANS DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
TDOR EVENT LISTINGS 2010

The Centre for Women and Trans People will commemorate this year’s Trans Day of Remembrance by offering a full week of Remembrance for Two Spirit, Intersex, and Trans people, and all who have been impacted by anti-trans violence and discrimination. A week is not enough – together let’s continue to actively resist violence and celebrate trans lives always. The Centre is honoured to be part of this work and hopes everyone has a chance to create a space for the remembrance of community members hurt or lost, and to collect and share in our own personal reflections.

MONDAY NOVEMBER 15

EVENT: TRANS INCLUSION GROUP MEETING
TIME: 2-3pm
LOCATION: The Centre for Women and Trans People UT
DESCRIPTION:

Are you trans, or have you ever questioned your gender identity? Do you need an opportunity to be around other trans individuals in a safe space? Do you need trans-to-trans support? Are you a trans ally or is there someone you love who is trans? Would you like to learn how to more strongly support them? Would you like to be active on trans issues? Interested in being a volunteer?

If the answer to any of these questions is YES, then we would like to invite you to participate in the Trans Inclusion Group (TIG). The Centre is always open to gender-variant individuals, but during TIG we focus exclusively on the issues that are pressing to trans folk, both on the campus, in the community, and within The Centre itself. The TIG meeting format is open and relaxed, with informal discussion and meet-and-greet (with the possibility of one-on-one trans support) followed by our action committee meeting that fights for trans visibility and inclusion. But there are even larger issues on the horizon so no matter where you are on the gender spectrum come out and get involved! Start the week by connecting with some of the people organizing these events.
—
EVENT: Art activism: Remembering through the arts
TIME: 3-6pm
LOCATION: The Centre for Women and Trans People UT
DESCRIPTION:

To mark the beginning of a Two Spirit, Intersex and Trans Week of Remembrance, The Centre hosts a community art activism initiative to put together a memorial for those we have lost to trans and transphobic violence and to remember the people who have made significant contributions to the struggle. Come out and show your support.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 16

EVENT: ABORIGINAL WOMEN AND WOMEN OF COLOUR GROUP:
“What’s AWWOC without the T/2S?”
COMMUNITY discussion & POTLUCK
TIME: 4-6pm
LOCATION: The Centre for Women and Trans People UT
DESCRIPTION:

The Aboriginal Women and Women of Colour group (AWWOC) hosts a facilitatated discussion by Mandy Longhouse Cayuga looking at how to build a more Two Spirit/trans inclusive group. We are hoping to begin examining AWWOC as the name of the group (how can it signify a trans inclusive space?) We feel asking the question “What is AWWOC without the T/2S?” is an important starting point in the growth and development of AWWOC furthering anti-oppression. Potluck event. Bring a dish or just bring yourself. All welcome. Allies welcome.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 17

EVENT: THE CENTRE’S ANNUAL TDOR EVENT:
COMMUNITY ART INSTALLATION 2010
TIME: 12-3pm
LOCATION: Sidney Smith Hall, 100 st. George st. *outside
DESCRIPTION:

The Trans Inclusion Group hosts its annual Community Art Installation. Grab a crayon – show your colours – add some joy –take up space – take a marker – leave your mark – collage – deconstruct – take scissors to the binary – remember always. In the face of loss we create. We remember the vibrant lives of those lost to gender violence by sharing in collective creativity. We fill the space with urgent art – ending trans violence and hatred is an urgent matter. We share smiles – we share the moment – we remember – we take action. Come and create (or observe) a community art installation in response to gender violence. No art experience necessary.
—

EVENT: MOMENT OF SILENCE
TIME: 3:00-3:10pm
LOCATION: Sidney Smith Hall, 100 st. George st. *outside
DESCRIPTION:

Gather for speeches and a moment of silence. Take the time.
—

EVENT: TDOR AT THE CENTRE
TIME: 3:30-5:30pm
LOCATION: The Centre for Women and Trans People UT
DESCRIPTION:

Come to The Centre for light refreshments, warm coffee and warm thoughts. Eat, continue to make art, and share in casual community conversation and dialogue.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 18

EVENT: THE SPICE – SPECIAL EDITION
TIME: 12-3pm
LOCATION: The Centre for Women and Trans People UT
DESCRIPTION:

The Spice hosts a community kitchen with free food and open discussion on the relationships between access to food, poverty, homelessness and Two Spirit and trans identities. Questions to explore may include: what are the different ways poverty, homelessness and the limited access to food effect Two Spirit and trans people? What do the cuts to the special diet and the social welfare system mean to Two Spirit and trans people? How can we stop the cuts?
—

EVENT: PANEL: TRANS ORGANIZING IN UNIVERSITY SETTING
TIME: 12-2pm
LOCATION: York University, tba
DESCRIPTION:

The Centre for Women and Trans People at York University host a panel discussion. Vigil details: tba. For more info: http://www.yorku.ca/ywc/ywc/
Join Centre UT folk there (meet-up space to be announced, TTC tokens available). In solidarity.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 19

EVENT: THE 519’s TDOR EVENT
TIME: 7-9pm
LOCATION: 519 Church Street Community Centre
DESCRIPTION:

Attend the 519’s annual TDOR vigil/memorial event with speakers and readings. The Centre will be organizing a contingent to attend as a group – contact us for meet-up location.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 20

INTERNATIONAL TRANS DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

MONDAY NOVEMBER 22

EVENT: TRANS FILM NIGHT: “TWO SPIRITS”
TIME: 6-8pm
LOCATION: The William Doo Auditorium, 45 Willcocks
DESCRIPTION:

The Trans Inclusion Group and The Women and Genders Studies Student Union co-host a free screening of “Two Spirits”: the story of 16-year old Fred Martinez who was brutally murdered. Two Spirits is a compelling documentary about a life that was cut short for a Navajo teenager who was nádleehi – person with both masculine and feminine essences. The film is more than a story of what it means to be poor, transgender, and Navajo, but also looks at the lives of the friends, family and larger community of Fred Martinez, reaching beyond the violent act that ended with his murder, and exploring issues of gender, spirituality and sexuality.
 
When, in his early teen years, Fred begins to express his femininity, his mother and family members understand who Fred is based on their traditional Navajo beliefs. They feel pride in being related to someone who has been gifted. What is tragic is how dominant society has much more narrow views on race and gender. What do we do to end these tragedies? How do communities heal loss?
 
Fred Martinez will not be forgotten. Two Spirits shows regard to the horror of Fred’s death but also unveils this story in a way that unearths deeper value and gives greater meaning to this young life. Two Spirits will touch viewers and rally viewers around honouring those who remain true to themselves, and embracing the potential for diversity, dignity, beauty, and strength.

Come out for free film, free snacks, free talk. Come debrief on and share your Trans Day of Remembrance experiences.

This event is part of “LINKED OPPRESSIONS: Racism, Homophobia, and Transphobia” organized by the Equity Students Student Union, Women and Gender Studies Student Union, LGBTOUT and The Centre for Women and Trans People UT.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 25

EVENT: WORDS OF RESISTANCE: OPEN MIC
TIME: 6-8pm
LOCATION: The Centre for Women and Trans People UT
DESCRIPTION:

Poetry night around themes of gender, gender violence, and transphobia. Inspired by TDOR and the 16 Days Against Gendered Violence. Open mic and potluck. Open to cisgender performers as well.

CONTACT INFO:
Events may expand and details may change. Feel free to contact The Centre for full details, updates or accessibility needs.

THE CENTRE FOR WOMEN AND TRANS PEOPLE UT
563 Spadina Ave.
womenscentre.sa.utoronto.ca
womens.centre AT utoronto DOT ca    
416-978-8201

*** look forward to more upcoming events ***