November 20th is the Transgender Day of Remembrance. It is observed around the world in memory of the transgender and transsexual persons who face violence, abuse and discrimination.
In a 2011 report from EAGLE Canada, trans students reported the highest rates of harassment among Canadian school aged children. Seventy four percent reported verbal harassment, 49% reported sexual harassment, and 37% reported physical harassment.
According to a 2012 report from Ontario, 43% of Trans people have attempted suicide at least once in their lives.
Trans people are particularly vulnerable to harassment, exclusion and extreme violence on a daily basis, on and off the job.
It is our job as a union to stand up for all human rights and for dignity and security for all people. The struggle for respect for Trans people is part of that effort.
Marle Roberts