The memory of people who have lost their lives because of transphobic violence will be honoured at a candle-light vigil on Tuesday.
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The event will be the first of its kind in Dubbo and marks the world Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Central West Trans and Gender Diverse Network (CWT&GDN), Sydney Gender Centre, Central West Rainbow Alliance and Dubbo Sexual Health will host a stall from 3pm and the vigil from 5pm on Tuesday.
CWT&GDN founder Marty Howe said the inaugural event held a day after Transgender Awareness Week would raise the profile of transgender issues.
“The week dedicates itself to raising awareness about the discrimination violence and stigma transgender and gender diverse people face,” Mr Howe said.
“The event is a gathering observed by the transgender community and supporters to memorialise those who have lost their lives or suffered violence as a result of transphobia.”
Mr Howe said being transgender himself, he understood the importance of increasing awareness within the community.
“With the growing number of transgender and gender diverse people in our local community I feel marking the day on the local calendar is extremely important to help educate the wider community so that we can all coexist together peacefully and without prejudice,” he said.
“Education is so important as without education nothing changes, the more people we educate the better the understanding of us.
“Therefore more respectful and inclusive behaviour should follow.”
In the past, members of the Dubbo transgender community commemorated the day at private events.
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