Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil held in Spokane

This year Spokane lost three members of its transgender community.

In July Amanda Blanchard’s body was discovered after a mobile home fire, which police are calling a murder-suicide.

In April Roman Bailey was shot to death by Reena Andrews, who later turned the gun on herself, according to police reports.

Blanchard, Bailey and Andrews are included in the 238 trans people were killed this year, according to the Transprespect Versus Trransphobia Worldwide Research Project.

According to the project 27 fewer trans people were killed in 2013 compared to the year before.

Each year in late November communities across the globe gather for the Transgender Day of Remembrance to memorialize those who were killed because of anti-transgender hatred and prejudice.

For the second year in a row Spokane community members assembled to join in the commemorations.

“The Transgender Day of Remembrance is important for our community,” said Sevan Bussell, a member of the Spokane Trans People group.

She said it’s a time to remember those who have been killed because of their gender identity, and to honor those who are still alive.

At the memorial volunteers read from the city of Spokane’s National Day of Remembrance Proclamation, as well as from a letter about the Transgender Day of Remembrance from President Barack Obama. Volunteers also read aloud the names of those from the transgender community who were killed this year.

The event concluded with community building games.

Kris Pomeroy was one of the 35 people or so who attended the event. He said he came because he’s part of the local transgender community and wanted to show support

“We’ve all had a rough time,” he said, but said he’s proof that trans people can move forward and live a normal life.

He came to last year’s event, and said he was pleased to see more transgender supporters at the vigil this year.

He’s a member of Spokane Trans People, which provides “mentorship for those who have recently come to terms with their gender identity.”

The group meets every other week. For information email [email protected].

More photos are available on our Facebook page.