In 2018 you would think kindness and inclusion of all people would just be part of the norm.
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It’s sad that it still isn’t.
And that is why the transgender community are hosting a candle-light vigil on Tuesday evening to remember those people who have lost their lives due to transphobic violence.
The first of its kind in Dubbo the event will also mark world Transgender Day of Remembrance, with a stall and vigil to raise the profile of transgender issues.
With the event dedicating itself to raising awareness about the discrimination violence and stigma transgender and gender diverse people face, it will have a few lessons that everyone would do well to listen too.
With the growing number of transgender and gender diverse people in the local community, it’s extremely important to educate everyone so people can coexist together peacefully and without prejudice.
There are still many people in our community that hide their true identity for fear of what others will say about or to them – no one should feel threatened or bullied by who they are.
Having a day such as this shines light on the fact that people aren’t accepting of others, for no real reason, other than they don’t like their beliefs.
In the past, members of the Dubbo transgender community commemorated the day at private events. One thing that’s good this year is that people feel comfortable enough that they can hold this event – and so they should.
Dubbo as a whole has become more accepting of all people over the past few years. Each year the Central West Pride March grows, with more and more people joining to show their support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Questioning or Asexual (LGBTIQA) community.
Just 10 short years ago the community would have been a different place for those growing up as LGBTIQA.
It’s great to see that we have come so far.
Yet there are still things that need to be done and recognised.
So take a minute or two to think today.
Think about how you treat people who are different from you. People who may not have the same beliefs or lifestyle as you do.
Think about the people who are being remembered today, and what we have to do as a community to make sure everyone feels included.