Statement on the Transgender Day of Remembrance

Douglas W. Judson (he/him) made the following statement on behalf of Borderland Pride on the occasion of the 2025 Transgender Day of Remembrance, observed on November 20, 2025:

"The Transgender Day of Remembrance honours the lives of trans people who have been lost to anti-trans violence. Unlike other occasions for remembrance, this day does not mark a distant chapter of history. It confronts us with the ongoing persecution, hostility, and violence that trans and gender-diverse people continue to face.

In 2023, the Supreme Court of Canada recognized, for the first time, that transgender people remain among the most marginalized in our society—living every day with disproportionate disadvantage, prejudice, stereotyping, and vulnerability. And while Canadians have become more attuned to the hostile conditions facing trans and gender-diverse communities south of the border, under President Trump’s “MAGA” politics, we must be honest that serious threats exist here at home as well.

This week, the Government of Alberta took unprecedented steps to suspend the Charter rights of this vulnerable group in order to advance bigoted and harmful legislation that restricts their ability to participate fully in public life. Premier Danielle Smith’s government has moved to use the notwithstanding clause to shield a ban on gender-affirming healthcare, to erase 2SLGBTQIA+ identities from public schools, and to ban trans women and girls from participating in sports.

Two years ago, on the Trans Day of Visibility (observed in March), we honoured the legacy of Dianna Boileau—a pioneering trans woman with local roots. Dianna transitioned in the 1950s, supported by her parents and a compassionate local physician. It is shocking that 70 years later, we are witnessing hard-won progress for young people like Dianna being rolled back so that politicians can scapegoat one of the most vulnerable minorities in our society rather than offer any vision, leadership, or solutions to real problems.

While we remember those lost to acts of anti-trans violence today, we must also renew our commitment to do everything in our power to push back against political forces that seek to grow their number and destroy trans lives through malicious politics, ignorance, and hate."

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Contact:

Borderland Pride

borderlandpride@gmail.com