The Transgender day of remembrance, November 20th, is a day to remember those who have been killed because of fear or hatred of transgender people. The day also draws attention to the continuing violence which many transgendered people endure. The image above gives some somber statistics.
At St Chrysostoms for many years we have developed a welcome for trans people, as part of our regular church membership, and also those who attend our monthly LGBT Mass.
On the Transgender day of remembrance, (TDoR), Thursday 20th November, this year prayers will be said at St Chrysostom’s at 5pm Mass for trans people and an end to transphobia.
At the end of the Mass this prayer, Twighlight People, by Rabbi Reuben Zellman will be said:
As the sun sinks and the colours of the day turn, we offer a blessing for the twilight, for twilight is neither day nor night, but in-between. We are all twilight people. We can never be fully labelled or defined. We are many identities and loves, many genders and none. We are in between roles, at the intersection of histories, or between place and place. We are criss crossed paths of memory and destination, streaks of light swirled together. We are neither day nor night. We are both, neither, and all.
May the sacred in-between of this evening suspend our certainties, soften our judgements, and widen our vision. May this in-between light illuminate our way to the God who transcends all categories and definitions. May the in-between people who have come to pray be lifted up into this twilight. We cannot always define; we can always say a blessing. Blessed are You, God of all, who brings on the twilight.
A purple candle will also burn at the Mass – those who support the Transgender Day of Remembrance are invited to wear something purple that day.
(A Vigil for TDoR will be held in Sackville Gardens, Canal Street on Sunday 23rd from 4.30pm)
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