Montreal’s 2SLGBTQ+ community marches against anti-trans hate

Members of Montreal’s 2SLGBTQ+ community came together at the foot of Mount Royal on Monday for a Trans Remembrance March, dedicated to honoring victims of anti-trans hate and advocating for government action against anti-2SLGBTQ+ hate.

The march commenced at the Sir-Georges-Étienne-Cartier monument, with participants proceeding to Parc LaFontaine to amplify their voices in solidarity.

“It’s important for us to be able to be here to remember these people. Remember the people who have lost to hate, to murder, to domestic violence, to other forms of violence,” said Celeste Trianon, co-organizer of Trans Remembrance March in Montreal.

Marches and vigils were held across Canada on Monday marking the Transgender Day of Remembrance.

“So many of us have lost people around us. Suicide is ever common place within the trans community and homicide unfortunately as well,” said Trianon.

Trianon was also at Parliament Hill on Monday urging people to learn more about the challenges transgender people face in Canada.

“What governments can do is to take action themselves too. Make sure that trans health care is not treated as second class health care. Make sure that trans people are able to live their lives freely like this…making sure that trans organizations are well-funded enough to be able to give the services they need for fellow community members,” said Trianon.

“In the last few weeks, few months, violence against trans people has gone up quite a bit. It’s scary and we have to show solidarity and we have to be together to get through this and make sure that the rights of everyone, including all trans folks, are respected fully and in reality, just not in words,” says one Montrealer who attended the march.

“The Trans Day Remembrance is an opportunity to remember the trans people whose lives have been lost due to systemic violence, hate crimes, whether it’s murder, whether it’s suicide, whether it’s lack of medical care or inaccessibility of medical systems,” added another.

“Every one of us should take action to clearly say that transphobia, anti-trans hate, is not welcome,” said Trianon.