As the days grow shorter and we settle into the cooler months, November reminds us of the power of connection and gratitude. This month, we come together to honour Trans Awareness Month and Trans Day of Remembrance — recognizing the resilience, courage, and contributions of trans and non-binary people in our communities, while remembering those whose lives were lost to transphobia and violence.

At Pflag Durham Region, we continue our mission to support, educate, and advocate for 2SLGBTQIA individuals, families, and allies. Inside this issue, you’ll find updates from our programs, community events, and stories that inspire hope and action. Whether you’re new to Pflag or a long-time supporter, thank you for being part of our inclusive and compassionate community.

Together, we continue to build a Durham where everyone can live authentically and proudly. 💜

Trans Day of Remembrance: Honouring Lives, Inspiring Change

Observed annually on November 20

Each year on November 20, communities across the world gather to honour Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR) — a solemn day dedicated to remembering the transgender and gender-diverse people whose lives have been lost to anti-transgender violence. It is a day of reflection, mourning, and, most importantly, renewed commitment to creating a world where all trans and gender-diverse people can live safely, authentically, and with pride.

TDOR began in 1999, founded by advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith to honour the memory of Rita Hester, a Black trans woman whose life was taken in 1998. What started as a small vigil in Boston has since grown into a global movement of remembrance and resilience.

Each year, the names of trans and gender-diverse people lost to violence are read aloud at vigils and memorials. These gatherings are not only acts of mourning but also powerful statements of resistance — reminders that trans lives are valuable, loved, and deserving of justice and protection.

While TDOR shines a light on loss, it also calls us to action. The rates of violence, discrimination, and systemic barriers faced by trans and non-binary people remain alarmingly high, particularly for trans women of colour. Addressing these injustices requires both individual and collective effort — from advocating for inclusive policies and equitable healthcare to fostering affirming spaces in schools, workplaces, and communities.

At Pflag Durham Region, we stand in solidarity with our trans and gender-diverse community members, their families, and allies. We reaffirm our commitment to education, advocacy, and support — ensuring that every person is seen, respected, and celebrated for who they are.

On November 20, we invite you to pause, remember, and act. Attend a vigil, learn about the experiences of trans people in your community, and commit to being part of the change that ensures future generations live free from fear and harm.

🕯️ We remember. We honour. We continue the fight for equality.

Current pflag Durham Region Programs:

• Transitions (16 years and up)

• pflag YA (18 and up)

• Teens & Tweens (10-17 years)

• Parent Group

• Family Transformations

Upcoming Programs:

• Book Club (Teen and Adult)

• Yoga Night

• D&D

Community Programs & Resources

While we make changes and develop new programs, please explore some of the resources our community partners are offering for youth and family supports.

DCHC - Gender Journeys

• The 9-week Gender Journeys program is a place to explore your gender and connect with others who are also on a gender journey. It is a peer-facilitated program for ages 10-14 and 15+.

• For more information: contact anagel@durhamchc.ca or call 905-428-1212 ext. 2239

  DCHC - Colours Youth Group

• 2SLGBTQI Youth in Grade 9 to 12 are invited to join the Colours Program running once a month. The program will be in-person at the DCHC Pickering location and will feature interactive activities!

• Food and snacks are available. Registration is required.

• To register: contact Sharon at (905) 903-3512 or Alyssa at (905) 723-0036 ext. 3204

  DCHC - Gender Affirming Chats

• A space where folks that don’t identify with the gender they were assigned at birth or are questioning their gender can connect with each other. This group will alternate between discussion topics, and a social space to play games, do some art and get to know each other.

• When? Every other Monday from February 12 to June 17, 2024. Ages 10-15, 6:00 p.m. -7:30 p.m. Ages 16+, 7:30 p.m. -9:00 p.m.

• Where? Alternating between in person at DCHC Pickering Site (17-1450 Kingston Rd.) and virtual

• To register: Contact Declan to schedule a short intake call. Email gendercare@durhamchc.ca. Call or Text: 905 213 1207

• Note: When folks are registered for the group they can pick and choose which sessions they’d like to attend.

• Specific dates and links to descriptions of each session can be found here.

  DCHC - Family TRANSformations

• Family TRANSformations is a support and resource group for parents/caregivers of people who identify as trans, non-binary, or gender-expansive. Registration is required.

• For more information, contact Jennifer at 905-428-1212, ext. 2229

  ACDR - One Voice

• One Voice is a collective created to meet the health and social service gaps experienced by queer and trans people of colour aged 13 to 29.

• For more information, contact ​Nathan Rhodes-Truppe, Youth Outreach Coordinator at nathaniel@aidsdurham.com or call 905-576-1445 ext 518

  ACDR - MSM

• MSM works with and for gay, bi and other men who have sex with men (msm) by providing relevant knowledge, skills, resources, social activities and events as well as promoting community building partnerships.

• For more information, contact ​Carlos Castle, MSM Outreach Coordinator at carlos@aidsdurham.com or call 905-576-1445 ext 512.

To add a community event to this list, please email our secretary at: courtney@pflagdurhamregion.com