San Francisco, CA —(Monday, November 16th, 2020) Mayor London N. Breed, the Office of Transgender Initiatives, and community organizations honor November as Transgender Awareness Month in San Francisco through a series of virtual events and annual flag raising.
“Today, we raise the Trans Flag over City Hall in honor of Transgender Awareness Month in San Francisco, we are committed to the work ahead to combat discrimination end the violence against our trans community,” said Mayor Breed. “We will not allow discrimination and violence of any kind to go unchecked. I am committed to making sure that all trans residents are safe, supported, and welcomed in San Francisco.”
Across the country the transgender community and allies are recognizing Trans Awareness Week, in 2018 the Office of Transgender Initiatives joined Mayor London Breed in expanding the week to celebrating Trans Awareness Month throughout November.
Earlier this month the San Francisco hosted the annual San Francisco Trans Film Festival, additional events include a Trans Rally and March on Nov. 16th, virtual roundtable discussions on trans rights, wellness, and equity on Wed. Nov. 18th, as well as International Trans Day of Remembrance on Nov. 20th, and more! Visit the full calendar of events here.
The San Francisco Office of Transgender Initiatives works across the City to advance equity for transgender and gender nonconforming communities. This October, San Francisco announced a historic investment of over $5 million annually to support critical and life saving trans community services including housing, employment, education, anti-violence, health and wellness programs.
“Today in recognition of the Trans Awareness Month the Trans Flag was raised over San Francisco City Hall and will remain up for the rest of week in honor of our trans community,” said Clair Farley, Director of the Office of Transgender Initiatives. “Although this year’s events look different due to COVID, we are still coming together virtually to celebrate community, build awareness, and to take action to end the violence and discrimination against trans people.”
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) was founded in San Francisco 21 years ago by Gwendolyn Ann Smith and is now recognized around the world. The event brings visibility to lives lost to anti-trans violence. This year we have passed a grim milestone with over 34 trans lives lost to fatal violence that has disproportionately impacted Black trans women and women of color.
Visit the full calendar of events here.