Standing in solidarity
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance day held on 20 November to honour the memory of transgender people whose lives have been lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.
Leon Evans, LGBT+ & Friends network group secretary, said: ‘TDOR is a day of remembrance to remember, reflect and respect the ongoing Trans* fight for equality.
‘Although this Friday will feel a little different to some of our other celebration events, we would appreciate you joining us to stand in solidarity with all our Trans* colleagues, friends and families.’
Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that transgender people are twice as likely to be victims of crime in England and Wales. It also shows that up to the year ending March 2020, 28 per cent of Trans* people experienced crime compared with 14 per cent of ‘cisgender’ people (those who identify with the same gender they were assigned at birth).
‘These figures make for very uncomfortable reading,’ said Leon. ‘So, we ask that colleagues do what they can to help us recognise every Trans* life. On Monday 16 November, members of the LGBT+ and Trans* networks met virtually to hold and record a minute’s silence to remember those who have lost their lives to acts of anti-transgender violence.
‘A recording of the event will be available for you to watch and share in our Facebook group and on Workplace. We are also proudly raising the Trans* flag above Mount Pleasant Mail Centre in London for two weeks in a show of respect.’
This Friday 20November, we are encouraging all colleagues, whether as a team or individually, to mark Transgender Day of Remembrance by taking part in a one-minute silence to stand in solidarity with our Trans* community. If you would like to share any memories of someone you want remembered, please email the LGBT+ & Friends network at lgbt&friends@royalmail.com.
Get involved
The LGBT+ & Friends steering group was established in 2015 with the goal of creating an accessible network for LGBT+ colleagues and supporters to come together and share their experiences.
If you want to be an Ally, or you simply want to be part of the network, please let them know by emailing LGBT&Friends@royalmail.com.
You can also subscribe to their newsletter and join their protected Facebook group, just email them with your pay number and the email address you use to sign into Facebook and they will send you an invitation.
