It’s not just about remembering things that happened a long time ago. It’s remembering things that happened really recently — and making sure they don’t happen again, according to Ilaina Decter, UVic Pride Collective’s co-ordinator.

UVic Pride isn’t directly involved in the upcoming third-annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, but Decter said the memorial day for transgender and gender-variant peoples has their full support.

Things have improved for gay and lesbian people since the days of Stonewall, Decter said. But violence and misunderstandings around transgender people are still a big issue.

The day of remembrance, happening on Nov. 20, marks an important day for transgendered people and their allies.

In 1998, the unsolved fatal stabbing of Rita Hester, a transgender woman from Boston, provoked a friend to start the “Remembering Our Dead” web-project.

The following year, the first-annual day of remembrance was fostered.

Eleven years later, what began as a local memorial has turned international — people gather around North America to remember those killed due to gender-based violence or transphobia.

This year, the Victoria community will come together from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Fernwood Square. Individuals from Victoria’s trans community will speak.

TransAction, a Victoria group dedicated to forming trans acceptance and allies in the community, says the day is more than a day of remembrance — it is also a space to speak up and celebrate trans identities, experiences, communities and resistance.

Victoria has been marking the Transgender Day of Remembrance for three years. In the second year, TransAction Victoria was formed. The activist collective advocates for trans rights in the community.

Creating Connections
Intergenerational gathering and dessert potluck. Thursday, Nov. 19 - 7 to 9 p.m. Aids Vancouver Island, 713 Johnson Street

Trans Day of Remembrance rally
Friday, Nov. 20 - 5 to 6:30 p.m. Fernwood Square.

No washroom available on site

Cornerstone Open Mic & Variety Show
Friday, Nov. 20 - 7 p.m. sign up, 7:30 p.m. performances.
Cornerstone Café,1301 Gladstone Avenue.

Free, donations encouraged

Alter Ego Dance
Thursday, Dec. 3 - 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Norway House, 1110 Hillside Avenue

PWYC, $5-10 Sliding Scale, No-One Turned Away. The theme of the dance party is “Alter Egos.” Come as your other self. No costumes are required, please feel free to come however you feel best, but think critically about the costumes you choose to wear.