On Nov. 20, York University marks the annual Trans Day of Remembrance.
It is a day to honour the memory of trans and gender-expansive individuals whose lives were lost to hate, fear and ignorance. It is a day to recognize the dignity and fortitude within trans and gender-expansive communities in the face of mistreatment borne of ignorance, bigotry and injustice.
York University’s Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy states that “Achieving an inclusive and equitable community is not a destination but rather a journey that requires ongoing attention and action.” It is our shared responsibility to support and enrich each other and to enable collective flourishing. York University reaffirms its support for – and willingness to act on behalf of – trans, Two-spirit, non-binary and other gender-expansive students, staff, faculty, instructors and alumni, and denounces transphobic discrimination and violence everywhere.
Please take time and attention to mourn the losses and to honour the strengths of the diverse trans and gender-expansive communities. Please commit to making York not only inclusive, but expansive: safer, freer, open-minded and forward-looking.
Ribbons are available in the following locations:
- York Lanes, suite 301, offices of the Division of Equity, People & Culture
- Dahdaleh Building, suite 2070, the Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion and the Centre for Sexual Violence, Response, Support & Education
- GL Zone Kiosk at the Centre of Excellence, Glendon campus (10 a.m. to noon)
- Glendon Student Success Centre, YH B108 (9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.)
- Markham Campus welcome desk (first floor)
The Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion has identified and developed a number of resources for the community, including a guide on gender expression and gender identity, available here.
Thank you. Merci. Miigwech.
Laina Y. Bay-Cheng
Vice-President Equity, People and Culture